O. A. Fish Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cherry Ridge Dam Hennessee Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
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Summary
A. Fish Dam, located in Bostic, North Carolina, on Puzzle Creek, is a private dam primarily used for recreational purposes. Managed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam with a stone core stands at a structural height of 27.6 feet and has a hydraulic height of 23 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 50 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 4.5 acres and serves a drainage area of 139 square miles.
Although classified as having a low hazard potential, O. A. Fish Dam's condition assessment in 2018 was deemed fair. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with outlet gates also being uncontrolled. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program. The last inspection took place in March 2018, with an inspection frequency of 5 years.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the environmental impact and management of dams like O. A. Fish Dam in North Carolina will find this information on its design, purpose, storage capacity, risk assessment, and regulatory oversight to be intriguing. The dam's role in providing recreational opportunities while also being subject to state jurisdiction and inspection highlights the delicate balance between human use and environmental protection in water resource management.
Dam Length |
352 |
River Or Stream |
Puzzle Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
139 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
27.6 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Second Broad River Nr Logan
|
64cfs |
First Broad River Near Casar
|
53cfs |
Broad River Near Boiling Springs
|
623cfs |
Jacob Fork At Ramsey
|
19cfs |
Cove Creek Near Lake Lure
|
64cfs |
Broad River Near Blacksburg
|
569cfs |
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.
O. A. Fish Dam