Wolf Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wolf Creek in Tuckasegee, North Carolina, is a vital hydroelectric facility situated on Wolf Creek, with a dam height reaching 175 feet and a hydraulic height of 178 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1955, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power, with a storage capacity of 1340 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 44100 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway, controlled with a width of 99 feet, ensures efficient water flow management.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Wolf Creek's hazard potential is classified as high, with a very high risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, with no recent updates on its maintenance and emergency preparedness. With a drainage area of 15.2 square miles and a surface area of 40 acres, Wolf Creek remains a significant component of North Carolina's water resource infrastructure, contributing to both energy production and water management in the region.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

810

Dam Height

175

River Or Stream

Wolf Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

178

Drainage Area

15.2

Nid Storage

1340

Structural Height

178

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

178
       
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.