Thagards Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thagards Lake Dam, located in Lakeview, North Carolina, was completed in 1964 and serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The concrete dam stands at a structural height of 21 feet and a hydraulic height of 17 feet, with a length of 610 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 2505 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1335 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 211 acres and draining an area of 42,140 acres from the Little River.

Despite its recreational purpose, Thagards Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of February 2020. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, which conducts regular inspections and enforces compliance with state regulations. With the dam's high hazard potential, there is a need for continuous risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the structure itself.

Local government is the primary owner of Thagards Lake Dam, and it is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. As a gravity dam with earth and concrete components, the dam represents a significant infrastructure for water management in the region. The presence of the dam on the Little River creates opportunities for recreation while also highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks associated with its condition and hazard potential.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

610

River Or Stream

Little River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

211

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

42140

Nid Storage

2505

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.