Melrose Mountain Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Melrose Mountain Dam #2, located in Valhalla, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1972 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a structural height of 47 feet and a hydraulic height of 42 feet, the dam stands as a vital structure on the UT to Big Falls Creek (Trout). The dam has a storage capacity of 157 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 118 acre-feet and a drainage area of 35 square miles.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2015, Melrose Mountain Dam #2 poses a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam is state regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program, ensuring compliance with safety standards and enforcement measures. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment information are currently not available, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness.

As a key feature in the Wilmington District, Melrose Mountain Dam #2 serves not only as a recreational site but also as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. Its location, design, and capacity make it a significant asset in managing water flow and storage in Polk County, emphasizing the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

250

River Or Stream

UT to Big Falls Creek (Trout)

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

35

Nid Storage

157

Structural Height

47

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

47
       
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.