Lake Tahoma Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lake Tahoma, located in McDowell, North Carolina, is a private reservoir primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1928, is a concrete structure standing at 72.5 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 62.5 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 7,800 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 163 acres, with a drainage area of 14,720 acres, fed by Buck Creek.

With a high hazard potential, Lake Tahoma is regularly inspected and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Dam Safety Program. The last inspection in September 2018 deemed the dam's condition as satisfactory. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) may be in place, although details on its preparedness and compliance with guidelines are not specified in the data.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Pleasant Gardens area can appreciate Lake Tahoma as a vital recreational resource while acknowledging the importance of ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight to ensure its safety and functionality in the face of potential hazards.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

308

River Or Stream

Buck Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

163

Hydraulic Height

62.5

Drainage Area

14720

Nid Storage

7800

Structural Height

72.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

73
       
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.