Scott-Harris Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Scott-Harris Dam, located in Dobson, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure completed in 1991 for irrigation purposes along the Little Beaver Creek-Tr river system.


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Summary

Standing at a structural height of 20.7 feet and a hydraulic height of 17.6 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 33.1 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 28.2 acre-feet. With a surface area of 4 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water resources in the region.

Despite its high hazard potential, Scott-Harris Dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in January 2021. The dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program. With a designated emergency action plan (EAP) frequency of 2, the dam is equipped to handle potential risks and emergencies effectively, ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and the integrity of the structure.

With its strategic location and significance in the irrigation infrastructure of Surry County, Scott-Harris Dam stands as a vital component in water resource management in the region. As a privately owned entity, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities, highlighting the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and community sustainability in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

530

River Or Stream

Little Beaver Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

17.6

Nid Storage

33.1

Structural Height

20.7

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.