Rauchfuss Lake Dam
Rauchfuss Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Caldwell County, North Carolina, built in 1972. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Rauchfuss Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Rauchfuss Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Merril Elizabeth White Irrevocable Trust (private). It impounds the Church Branch near Legerwood.
The dam stands 27 feet tall and stretches 347 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 29 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1972, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 03/15/2023.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Caldwell |
| Nearest City | Legerwood |
| River/Stream | Church Branch |
| Coordinates | 36.00830, -81.53570 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Length | 347 ft |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 29 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 29 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 564 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Merril Elizabeth White Irrevocable Trust |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 03/15/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00330 |
| Federal ID | NC00330 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |