Cape Fear 1963 Ash Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cape Fear 1963 Ash Basin Dam, located in Chatham, North Carolina, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the OS-Deep River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Managed by a public utility, this earth dam has a high hazard potential and is considered to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in March 2020. Despite not being state regulated or permitted, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its integrity and safety.

While specific details such as dam height, volume, and completion year are not provided, the dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction underscores its importance in protecting the surrounding areas from potential inundation. With a history dating back to 1963, this dam has stood the test of time and continues to play a vital role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. Regular inspections and emergency preparedness measures are in place to address any potential issues and ensure the safety of nearby communities.

As a key structure along the OS-Deep River, Cape Fear 1963 Ash Basin Dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. Its presence underscores the ongoing efforts to balance the needs of flood protection with environmental considerations, highlighting the essential role that dams play in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. Despite its age, this dam remains a critical component of the region's infrastructure, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to maintaining and managing water resources in a changing climate landscape.

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.