Charles Harris Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Charles Harris Dam, also known as Myers Fishing Lake Dam, is a private structure located in Laurel Springs, North Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam serves as a fish and wildlife pond, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities. The dam has a hydraulic height of 16.5 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, with a length of 190 feet and a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet.

Despite its primary purpose of providing a habitat for fish and wildlife, Charles Harris Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. This raises concerns about its ability to withstand potential risks and emergencies, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam is under state regulation by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets safety standards and guidelines to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community.

Located on a tributary of Meadow Fork, Charles Harris Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Ashe County area. It serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem, providing essential habitat for various species of fish and wildlife. However, its current condition and hazard potential underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this important water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

190

River Or Stream

tributary of Meadow Fork

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.4

Hydraulic Height

16.5

Drainage Area

89

Nid Storage

12

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.