Cape Fear 1970 Ash Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Chatham, North Carolina, the Cape Fear 1970 Ash Basin Dam is a crucial structure designed for flood risk reduction along the OS-Deep River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned by a public utility, this earth dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in March 2020. Despite being non-federally regulated, the dam undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its operational integrity.

While specific details about the dam's height, volume, and storage capacity are not provided, its primary purpose of flood risk reduction underscores its importance in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. With a high hazard potential, the Cape Fear 1970 Ash Basin Dam plays a significant role in mitigating the risks associated with potential flooding events in the region. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the importance of such infrastructure in managing water resources and climate risks cannot be understated.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical role that dams like the Cape Fear 1970 Ash Basin Dam play in protecting communities and infrastructure against flood risks is essential. While the dam may not receive federal oversight, its state-regulated inspections and fair condition assessment highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure its effectiveness in mitigating flood hazards. Moving forward, continued monitoring and maintenance of such vital infrastructure will be essential in adapting to the challenges posed by a changing climate and safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events.

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.