Buck Ash Basin Divider Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Rowan, North Carolina, the Buck Ash Basin Divider Dam, also known as the Buck Steam Station Intermediate Dam, stands as a crucial structure along the Yadkin River.


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Summary

Completed in 1977, this public utility-owned earth dam serves the primary purpose of tailings management, with a height of 10 feet and a length of 1400 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 135 acre-feet and a surface area of 46 acres, the dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and storage in the region.

The Buck Ash Basin Divider Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting standards. The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection taking place in October 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, reflecting the ongoing commitment to maintaining the safety and integrity of water resources in the area.

With its location in the High Rock city and under the jurisdiction of the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Buck Ash Basin Divider Dam remains a critical infrastructure ensuring the efficient management of water resources along the Yadkin River. As a key component in the water management system, this dam underscores the importance of sustainable practices and ongoing monitoring to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the continued availability of water for various needs in the region.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

1400

River Or Stream

Yadkin River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46

Drainage Area

154

Nid Storage

135

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

10
       
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.