Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam
Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam is an earth dam located in Gaston County, North Carolina, built in 1957. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam
Allen Retired Ash Basin Dam is a dam in Gaston, North Carolina. The dam is owned by Duke Energy Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Catawba River near Red River, Sc.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 3,130 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 20 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1957, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/30/2024.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
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 | Gaston |
| Nearest City | Red River, Sc |
| River/Stream | Catawba River |
| Coordinates | 35.18420, -81.00630 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 3,130 ft |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 30 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 30 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,061 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Duke Energy Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/30/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC01668 |
| Federal ID | NC01668 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |