Tynecastle Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tynecastle, also known as Inver Lochy, is a privately owned dam located in Avery County, North Carolina, near the city of Foscoe.


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Summary

The dam was completed in 1971 and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering opportunities for boating and fishing on the Watauga River. With a hydraulic height of 44 feet and a structural height of 48.5 feet, Tynecastle provides a picturesque setting with a surface area of 3 acres for visitors to enjoy.

The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement requirements. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2016, Tynecastle is classified as having a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 400 cubic feet per second.

While Tynecastle does not have associated locks or spillways, its impressive length of 436 feet and NID height of 49 feet make it a significant structure in the region. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in February 2018, highlighting the commitment to safety and preparedness in case of unforeseen events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Tynecastle's role in providing recreational opportunities while maintaining a focus on safety and regulatory compliance in its operations.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

436

River Or Stream

Watauga River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

44

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

48.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

49
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.