Cape Fear 1956 Ash Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Chatham, North Carolina, the Cape Fear 1956 Ash Basin Dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the OS-Deep River.


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Summary

Owned by a public utility, this earth dam stands as a testament to engineering expertise and environmental stewardship. With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam has been inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in March 2020.

Despite its age, the Cape Fear 1956 Ash Basin Dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively. While specific details such as dam height, volume, and completion year are not provided, the dam's importance in mitigating flood risks cannot be overstated. Its strategic location and design exemplify how infrastructure can harmoniously coexist with the natural environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of nearby communities.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Cape Fear 1956 Ash Basin Dam stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of infrastructure in safeguarding our environment. With its high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, this earth dam serves as a critical tool in managing flood risks along the OS-Deep River. As we look towards a sustainable future, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and continuous monitoring to ensure the safety and resilience of our water infrastructure.

River Or Stream

OS-Deep River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hazard Potential

High
       
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.