Weatherspoon 1979 Ash Basin Dam
Weatherspoon 1979 Ash Basin Dam is an earth dam located in Robeson County, North Carolina, built in 1949. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Weatherspoon 1979 Ash Basin Dam
Weatherspoon 1979 Ash Basin Dam is a dam in Robeson, North Carolina. The dam is owned by Duke Energy Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Lumber River near Boardman.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 6,600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 52 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 932 acre-feet. Completed in 1949, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 05/09/2024.
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 | Robeson |
| Nearest City | Boardman |
| River/Stream | Lumber River |
| Coordinates | 34.59130, -78.96930 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 932 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 932 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Duke Energy Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/09/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC05948 |
| Federal ID | NC05948 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |