Spring Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spring Valley Lake Dam in Whispering Pines, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1962 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 42 feet and a hydraulic height of 36 feet, with a length of 1550 feet and a storage capacity of 1880 acre-feet. Situated on the Little River-Tr, this dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for the community while also serving as a water resource for the region.

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. With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment, the dam is subject to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and stability. The last inspection took place on January 15, 2021, with an inspection frequency of every two years to monitor any changes in its condition.

Despite its importance for recreation and water storage, Spring Valley Lake Dam poses a potential risk that requires careful management and emergency preparedness. While no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated recently, it is crucial for the dam owners and regulatory agencies to adhere to guidelines and ensure that proper risk assessment and management measures are in place to safeguard the surrounding community and environment from any potential hazards.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1550

River Or Stream

Little River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

85.4

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

1220

Nid Storage

1880

Structural Height

42

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

42
       
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.