Cashiers Lake Dam Dam
Cashiers Lake Dam
Cashiers Lake Dam, located in Jackson County, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation. With a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 26.3 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Chattooga River-Tr. The dam boasts a storage capacity of 379 acre-feet, providing opportunities for water-based activities over its surface area of 24.8 acres.
Despite being classified as a high hazard potential structure, Cashiers Lake Dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed in February 2021. The dam has a history of periodic inspections, with the last one conducted in early 2021. The regulatory oversight for this dam falls under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), Dam Safety Program, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Its proximity to Grimeshaws and its role in providing recreational opportunities make Cashiers Lake Dam a significant landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
For those interested in the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, Cashiers Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study. Its role in controlling the flow of the Chattooga River-Tr, coupled with its recreational significance, highlights the importance of maintaining and regulating dams for both safety and enjoyment. With ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight, Cashiers Lake Dam stands as a testament to the careful balance between harnessing water resources for human use and preserving the natural environment.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Cashiers Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tuckasegee River At Sr 1172 Nr Cullowhee | 409 cfs | → |
| French Broad River At Rosman | 193 cfs | → |
| Little Tennessee River Near Prentiss | 222 cfs | → |
| Little Tennessee R At Franklin | 1,050 cfs | → |
| Cartoogechaye Creek Near Franklin | 261 cfs | → |
| Tuckasegee River At Barker's Creek | 484 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Cashiers Lake Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Cashiers Lake Dam
Where does the data for Cashiers Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.