Earth Movers Dam Upper Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Earth Movers Dam Upper, located in Iredell, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 15.6 feet and a structural height of 23 feet, with a length of 200 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2 acres, situated within a drainage area of 147 square miles along the Catawba River tributary.
Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Earth Movers Dam Upper is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam has a history of being regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in December 2020. This structure plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while adhering to state regulations to ensure public safety and environmental protection. With its picturesque location and significant contributions to water resource management, Earth Movers Dam Upper stands as a vital asset in the region's infrastructure.
Dam Length |
200 |
River Or Stream |
Catawba River-Trib. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
15.6 |
Drainage Area |
147 |
Nid Storage |
18 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Earth Movers Dam Upper