Moore Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Moore Dam, located in Catawba, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1981 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a hydraulic height of 19 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, controls the Catawba River-Os and has a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet. The dam, with a length of 280 feet and a surface area of 1.7 acres, serves primarily for recreational activities in the region.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Moore Dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in October 2018. The dam is currently unregulated by the state and does not require permitting for its operation. With a spillway type of uncontrolled and unregulated outlet gates, the dam accommodates a maximum discharge of 113 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 77 square miles, contributing to the overall environmental impact of the structure on the Catawba River-Os ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
280 |
River Or Stream |
Catawba River-Os |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
77 |
Nid Storage |
20 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Moore Dam