Asu-norris Branch Dam
Asu-norris Branch Dam is an earth dam located in Watauga County, North Carolina, built in 1974. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Asu-norris Branch Dam
The primary purpose of Asu-norris Branch Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Appalachian State University (state). It impounds the Norris Branch near Boone.
The dam stands 112 feet tall and stretches 480 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 22 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 762 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1974, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/02/2024.
At 112 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The North Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Watauga |
| Nearest City | Boone |
| River/Stream | Norris Branch |
| Coordinates | 36.23870, -81.66970 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 112 ft |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 762 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 762 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 564 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 22 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 925 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Appalachian State University |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/02/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC01524 |
| Federal ID | NC01524 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |