Icard Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Icard Dam, located in North Carolina along the Upper Little River, was completed in 1919 and is primarily used for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at a structural height of 58 feet, with a hydraulic height of 47 feet. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 3,046 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 2,858 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 120 acres.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Icard Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of December 2019. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are not specified in the available data.

With its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, including fishing and boating, Icard Dam serves as a valuable water resource for the local community. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam's history, design, and management practices to be of interest in understanding the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

267

River Or Stream

Upper Little River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

120

Hydraulic Height

47

Drainage Area

27072

Nid Storage

3046

Structural Height

58

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

58
       
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.