Toxaway Dam Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Toxaway Dam Lower, located on the Toxaway River in Transylvania, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this dam stands at a structural height of 60 feet with a hydraulic height of 48 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 15,680 acre-feet and a total storage capacity of 21,500 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 553 acres and drains an area of 4,800 acres.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Toxaway Dam Lower is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. This dam has a designated emergency action plan, updated in July 2019, to ensure the safety of surrounding communities in the event of a dam failure. Although the dam is not owned or funded by federal agencies, it is subject to state regulations and enforcement, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Toxaway Dam Lower serves as a valuable case study in dam management and safety. Its role in providing recreational opportunities while also posing potential hazards underscores the need for robust regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure resilience, understanding the complexities of dams like Toxaway Dam Lower is crucial for sustainable water management practices and community safety.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

700

River Or Stream

Toxaway River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

553

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

4800

Nid Storage

21500

Structural Height

60

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

60
       
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.