Frady Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Frady Dam, located in Henderson, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, constructed as an earth type, stands at a hydraulic height of 13.7 feet and a structural height of 16.5 feet, with a total length of 362 feet. With a capacity to store up to 25 acre-feet of water, the dam provides a surface area of 3.5 acres for recreational activities.

Managed and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Frady Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. The dam has been assessed as being in a satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in April 2019, although its hazard potential is classified as high. The dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, indicating a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness.

Housing the Kimsey Creek-Tr river system, Frady Dam offers a picturesque setting in the city of Long Shoals for outdoor enthusiasts and water resource aficionados to enjoy various recreational activities. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's role in providing a recreational space underscores the importance of balancing water resource management with public safety considerations.

Dam Length

362

River Or Stream

Kimsey Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.5

Hydraulic Height

13.7

Nid Storage

25

Structural Height

16.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.