Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam

Catawba River· Gaston, North Carolina· Built 1957· Earth·
High Hazard Other Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is other. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length3,130 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage30 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area233 sq mi
Max Discharge1,061 cfs
Year Completed1957 (69 years old)
NID IDNC01668

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 28, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Duke Energy Corporation

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam?

Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam?

Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam is owned by Duke Energy Corporation (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam built?

Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam?

Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam last inspected?

Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam was last inspected on September 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.