Harris Dam
Harris Dam is an earth dam located in Cumberland County, North Carolina, built in 1993. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Harris Dam
The primary purpose of Harris Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Crossings At Morganton Condominium Assc., Inc. (private). It impounds the Beaver Creek.
The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 27 acre-feet. Completed in 1993, the structure is 33 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. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/26/2025.
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 | Cumberland |
| River/Stream | Beaver Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.07610, -78.97740 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 17 ft |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Year Completed | 1993 (33 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 27 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 27 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Crossings at Morganton Condominium Assc., Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 03/26/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC02147 |
| Federal ID | NC02147 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |