Rosasco Dam Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rosasco Dam Lower, also known as Victoria Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Watauga, North Carolina, near the city of Elizabethton.


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Summary

This dam serves a primary purpose of recreation and is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. With a hydraulic height of 35 feet and a structural height of 38 feet, this earth dam impounds the waters of Baird Creek-Tr, creating a surface area of 0.7 acres and a storage capacity of 11 acre-feet.

Despite its high hazard potential, Rosasco Dam Lower has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of November 2020. Regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. While specific details on the dam's construction year and volume are not provided, its normal storage capacity is 8 acre-feet. The dam does not feature a spillway or outlet gates, and there are no associated locks on the structure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Rosasco Dam Lower intriguing due to its scenic recreational setting and the technical details of its design and regulation. The dam's location in the Nashville District and its association with the Dam Safety Program offer insights into the management of water resources in the region. As a privately owned facility, it provides a unique perspective on the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining dams for both safety and recreation purposes.

Dam Length

104

River Or Stream

Baird Cr.-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.7

Hydraulic Height

35

Nid Storage

11

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

38
       
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.