Headwaters Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Tuxedo, North Carolina, Headwaters Dam is a privately-owned earth dam that stands at a structural height of 67 feet, with a hydraulic height of 61.5 feet.


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Summary

Completed in the year 2000, this dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 422 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 500 acre-feet, Headwaters Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam, situated on Shoal Branch in Henderson County, North Carolina, has a drainage area of 120 square miles and a surface area of 17 acres. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2016, Headwaters Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential. It is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced to meet safety standards. With its picturesque surroundings and vital role in water resource management, Headwaters Dam is a key component in the region's ecological and recreational landscape.

In the event of an emergency, the dam has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, with the last revision dated March 12, 2019. While the dam meets safety guidelines and has preparedness measures in place, continuous risk assessments and management strategies are essential to ensure the safety and integrity of Headwaters Dam for the surrounding community and water resources. As a significant structure in the area, Headwaters Dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water resource management and climate resilience in the face of potential hazards.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Shoal Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

61.5

Drainage Area

120

Nid Storage

500

Structural Height

67

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

67
       
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.