Moonshine Mountain Rd Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Moonshine Mountain Rd Dam, also known as Horton Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Yancey County, North Carolina.


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Summary

This earth dam sits along the Mine Fork river in Day Brook and serves primarily for recreation purposes. With a hydraulic height of 27.9 feet and a structural height of 30.5 feet, the dam stands at 232 feet in length and has a normal storage capacity of 7 acre-feet.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of January 2021, Moonshine Mountain Rd Dam poses a high hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement measures to maintain its safety standards. The last inspection date was in January 2021, with inspections scheduled every 2 years to monitor any changes in its condition.

The surrounding area of Moonshine Mountain Rd Dam is at risk of inundation in case of a breach, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and risk management measures. While the dam meets current safety guidelines, ongoing assessments and maintenance are crucial to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of both the dam structure and the local community.

Dam Length

232

River Or Stream

Mine Fork

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.5

Hydraulic Height

27.9

Nid Storage

8

Structural Height

30.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.