Headwaters Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Headwaters Dam, located in Ashe, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 2001, the dam stands at a structural height of 47 feet with a hydraulic height of 43 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 78.6 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 440 feet and covers a surface area of 4.18 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the region.

Despite its recreational significance, Headwaters Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of August 2020. The dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring compliance with state regulations for safety and maintenance. With a drainage area of 255 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 133 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts should be aware of the importance of maintaining Headwaters Dam to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities. Regular inspections, emergency preparedness plans, and risk management measures are essential to safeguarding the dam and its associated structures. As a key recreational and water management asset, Headwaters Dam underscores the intersection of human activities with natural resources and the need for sustainable practices in dam operations and maintenance.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

440

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.18

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

255

Nid Storage

78.6

Structural Height

47

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

47
       
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.