Ashmore Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ashmore Lake Dam in Lee County, North Carolina, stands as a vital water resource for both recreational enjoyment and environmental conservation.


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Summary

Managed by the state regulatory agency NCDEQ, the dam is designed for a primary purpose of recreation, offering a surface area of 57 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. With a hydraulic height of 21.5 feet and a structural height of 26.3 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the drainage area of 57 acres and controlling a maximum discharge of 186 cubic feet per second.

Despite its high hazard potential, Ashmore Lake Dam has been assessed to be in fair condition as of December 2019. The dam has a history of regular inspections, with the most recent inspection occurring in December 2019 and an inspection frequency of every 2 years. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures remain unspecified, suggesting a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness and response. As a key component of the region's water infrastructure, the continuous monitoring and maintenance of Ashmore Lake Dam are essential to ensuring the safety and sustainability of its operations for both recreational and environmental purposes.

Dam Length

400

Hydraulic Height

21.5

Drainage Area

57

Nid Storage

57

Structural Height

26.3

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.