Wildcat Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wildcat Lake Dam, located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, is a private concrete structure completed in 1920 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

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
       
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.