Carriage Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carriage Park Dam, located in Henderson, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 2004 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Spanning 375 feet in length and standing at a structural height of 66 feet, this earth dam on the Marston River boasts a hydraulic height of 59.5 feet and a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet. With a surface area of 4.8 acres and a drainage area of 55 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2018, Carriage Park Dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting a biennial inspection frequency. The dam falls under the regulatory oversight of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Additionally, the dam is subject to state jurisdiction and is equipped with emergency action plans to mitigate potential risks and ensure public safety in the event of a breach or failure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Carriage Park Dam to be a significant structure in the preservation and utilization of water resources in the region. Its strategic location, design features, and regulatory compliance make it a vital component in the overall water management infrastructure, serving both recreational and safety functions for the community.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

375

River Or Stream

Marston

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.8

Hydraulic Height

59.5

Drainage Area

55

Nid Storage

127

Structural Height

66

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

66
       
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.