Asheville 1964 Ash Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Asheville 1964 Ash Basin Dam, located in Buncombe, North Carolina, stands as a critical structure along the French Broad River, serving as a vital resource for water management in the region.


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Summary

Built in 1964, this earth dam reaches a height of 100 feet and has a hydraulic height of 17 feet, providing storage capacity of 182 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 24.9 acres. With a drainage area of 78 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and ensuring water security for the surrounding communities.

Managed by a public utility entity, the Asheville 1964 Ash Basin Dam is subject to state regulation and inspection to maintain its structural integrity and safety standards. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of October 2020 was deemed fair. This assessment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to address any potential risks and ensure the dam's continued functionality in safeguarding the local area from flood events and other water-related emergencies.

As climate change impacts continue to pose challenges to water resources management, the Asheville 1964 Ash Basin Dam remains a critical infrastructure for mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability in the region. With a focus on safety and regulatory compliance, efforts are ongoing to enhance the dam's resilience and emergency preparedness, underscoring its importance in sustaining water resources for the community and ecosystem along the French Broad River.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

3357

River Or Stream

French Broad River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24.9

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

78

Nid Storage

182

Structural Height

100

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

100
       
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.