Ross Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ross Pond Dam, located in Bat Cave, North Carolina, is a private dam primarily built for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, with a length of 600 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 11 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 13 acre-feet, providing water for a surface area of 2 acres.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2015, Ross Pond Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential. The dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in November 2015. The dam is situated on the UT to Turnbreeches Creek, falling under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ross Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned recreational dam in North Carolina. With its significant hazard potential and state-regulated status, the dam highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Dam Length |
600 |
River Or Stream |
UT to Turnbreeches Cr (C, Tr) |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
13 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Ross Pond Dam