Powhatan
Key Takeaway
Powhatan is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 Height | 23 ft (taller than 38.8% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 126 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 79 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 79 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1942 (84 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00359 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
USDA FS
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Curtis Ensley Dam
Buncombe, NC
Significant HazardPlemmons Pond Dam
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Significant HazardSchmidt Pond Dam
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High HazardMoore Lake Dam
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Significant HazardMcelrath Lake Dam
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Significant HazardBiltmore Lake Dam
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High HazardTenney Dam
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Significant HazardLong Valley Lake Dam
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Powhatan?
Powhatan 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 Powhatan?
Powhatan is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Powhatan built?
Powhatan was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Powhatan?
Powhatan serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Powhatan?
Powhatan has a dam height of 23 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Powhatan last inspected?
Powhatan was last inspected on September 27, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.