Porter Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Porter Dam, also known as Northern Horizons Pond Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Buncombe, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 2007, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. Situated on the White Branch river, the dam has a hydraulic height of 14.5 feet and a storage capacity of 19 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 8 acre-feet.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2018, Porter Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. The dam has a structural height of 17 feet and a length of 220 feet, with a drainage area of 62 square miles. The last inspection conducted in May 2018 revealed that the dam meets regulatory standards set by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, which oversees the state's permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes for dams.

Although there are no associated structures or locks with Porter Dam, its location within the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlights its importance in managing water resources in the region. With its recreational purpose and crucial role in water storage, Porter Dam remains a key feature for both environmental enthusiasts and climate activists interested in sustainable water management practices in North Carolina.

Year Completed

2007

Dam Length

220

River Or Stream

White Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Hydraulic Height

14.5

Drainage Area

62

Nid Storage

19

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
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.