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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
277cfs |
Haw River Near Bynum
|
304cfs |
White Oak Cr At Mouth Near Green Level
|
3cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
711cfs |
Swift Creek Near Apex
|
9cfs |