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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
firefighter island campsite
|
||
Lake Powhatan
|
||
Lake Powhatan Campground
|
||
North Mills River Campground
|
||
North Mills River
|
||
WF-3
|