East Fork (Tannasee Creek) - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug Dam
East Fork (Tannasee Creek) - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug
The East Fork (Tannasee Creek) - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug is a vital structure located in Tuckasegee, NC, designed for hydroelectric purposes. Completed in 1955, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 25 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 1340 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 225 feet and a controlled spillway type, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential hazards.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this dike fuse plug has a high hazard potential and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The associated structures, including NC00335S002 and NC00335S004, work together to support the primary dam in its hydroelectric operations. With a risk assessment rating of Very High (1), the East Fork - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug stands as a key component in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the East Fork - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug offers a fascinating case study in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and emergency preparedness. With its long history of service and commitment to public safety, this structure exemplifies the importance of proactive risk management and regulatory oversight in maintaining the integrity of critical water resources. Explore the complexities and challenges of dam operations in the context of changing climate patterns, and appreciate the essential role that structures like the East Fork - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug play in safeguarding communities and ecosystems for generations to come.
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 East Fork (Tannasee Creek) - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug -- 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 | → |
| W F Pigeon R Above Lake Logan Nr Hazelwood | 38 cfs | → |
| West Fork Pigeon River Near Retreat | 36 cfs | → |
| Davidson River Near Brevard | 78 cfs | → |
| W Fk Pigeon R At Bethel | 78 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near East Fork (Tannasee Creek) - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug .
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About East Fork (Tannasee Creek) - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug
Where does the data for East Fork (Tannasee Creek) - Saddle Dike Fuse Plug 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.