Carroll Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mission Suddreth Dam Lower
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Carroll Lake Dam, located in Clay County, North Carolina, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering with its completion in 1910.
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Summary
This privately-owned earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a serene retreat for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Carroll Branch. With a structural height of 32.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 27 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres.
Despite its age, Carroll Lake Dam maintains a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in January 2015, with a low hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its historical significance and importance for water resource management and climate enthusiasts make it a notable landmark in the region.
For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Carroll Lake Dam offers a glimpse into early 20th-century dam construction and its role in providing recreational opportunities while ensuring safety and environmental conservation. With its modest storage capacity, the dam remains a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, serving as a reminder of the importance of proper dam maintenance and regulation to prevent potential hazards and ensure the continued enjoyment of its recreational benefits for years to come.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
178 |
River Or Stream |
Carroll Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
397 |
Nid Storage |
260 |
Structural Height |
32.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Valley River At Tomotla
|
157cfs |
Nottely River Near Blairsville
|
70cfs |
Nantahala River Near Rainbow Springs
|
144cfs |
Tallulah River Near Clayton
|
88cfs |
Cheoah River Nr Bearpen Gap Nr Tapoco
|
134cfs |
Toccoa River Near Dial
|
227cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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