Buck Ash Basin #1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buck Ash Basin #1 Dam, located in High Rock, North Carolina, serves as a crucial structure for managing tailings in the Yadkin River watershed.


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Summary

Built in 1982, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 72 feet and spans a length of 2000 feet, with a storage capacity of 397 acre-feet. The dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a hazard potential rated as "High," Buck Ash Basin #1 Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of October 2020. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are currently under review, highlighting the importance of proactive management and monitoring. As a part of the Wilmington District, the dam plays a critical role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the intricate details of Buck Ash Basin #1 Dam's design, construction, and regulatory oversight offer valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure development and environmental stewardship. This dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance the need for water management with the imperative of ensuring public safety and environmental protection in the face of changing climate dynamics. Its location in the Yadkin River watershed underscores its significance in safeguarding water resources for communities and ecosystems downstream.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

2000

River Or Stream

Yadkin River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

179

Nid Storage

397

Structural Height

72

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

72
       
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.