Wildcat Lake Dam, located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, is a private concrete structure completed in 1920 primarily for recreation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 35 feet and a structural height of 36 feet, impounding Wildcat Creek and providing a maximum storage capacity of 202 acre-feet with a normal storage of 168 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its satisfactory condition.
With a high hazard potential, Wildcat Lake Dam is crucial for both water resource management and climate resilience in the region. The dam plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities while also serving as a critical infrastructure for flood control and water supply management. Its association with Wildcat Creek and its drainage area of 336 square miles highlights its significance in the local ecosystem and water network, making it imperative to prioritize its maintenance and risk management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Despite its age, Wildcat Lake Dam continues to demonstrate its structural integrity and satisfactory condition as per the most recent assessment in June 2018. With a history dating back to the early 20th century, the dam remains a key feature in the landscape of Avery County, North Carolina, underlining the importance of effective regulation, inspection, and emergency preparedness to mitigate potential risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of this essential water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1920 |
River Or Stream |
Wildcat Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
336 |
Nid Storage |
202 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
36 |
Watauga River Near Sugar Grove
|
62cfs |
Yadkin River At Patterson
|
24cfs |
Doe River At Elizabethton
|
293cfs |
Johns River At Arneys Store
|
173cfs |
Watauga River At Elizabethton
|
423cfs |
Linville River Near Nebo
|
75cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Profile
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Calloway Gap
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Attic Window
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Alpine Meadow
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Cliffside
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Raven's Roost
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