Red Hill Quartz Plant Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Red Hill Quartz Plant Dam, located in Huntdale, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1997 for irrigation purposes along the North Toe River-Trib.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 36 feet and a structural height of 42 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 65 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 4.5 acres. The dam is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its satisfactory condition.

Despite its satisfactory condition, the Red Hill Quartz Plant Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, indicating the need for careful monitoring and emergency preparedness. The dam has a history of regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in September 2017, and an emergency action plan (EAP) in place to address any potential risks associated with its operation. The dam's design and construction meet state regulations and guidelines, with an emphasis on ensuring the safety and reliability of the structure for both irrigation purposes and downstream communities.

In the event of a significant risk or emergency, the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment play a crucial role in determining the appropriate response and management measures. With its location in Mitchell County, North Carolina, the Red Hill Quartz Plant Dam serves as a vital water resource for the region, highlighting the importance of regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness to safeguard both the dam's integrity and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

235

River Or Stream

North Toe River-Trib

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

66

Nid Storage

95

Structural Height

42

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

42
       
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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.