Bear Creek - Gated Spillway And 2 Fuseplugs Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bear Creek - Gated Spillway and 2 Fuseplugs, located in Tuckasegee, North Carolina, is a hydroelectric dam on the East Fork Tuckasegee River.


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Summary

Built in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 8.5 feet and has a length of 384 feet, providing a storage capacity of 34,600 acre-feet. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 214 feet, allowing for the safe release of excess water during periods of high flow.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Bear Creek dam is equipped with two fuseplugs and a gated spillway to help regulate water levels and prevent potential hazards. The dam has a high hazard potential, reflecting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone recent condition assessments, highlighting the need for ongoing inspections and risk management measures to address any potential vulnerabilities.

As a crucial component of the region's hydroelectric infrastructure, Bear Creek dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water resource management and climate resilience. With its strategic location and design, this dam plays a vital role in harnessing renewable energy while also safeguarding against the impacts of extreme weather events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to stay informed about the status of dams like Bear Creek to support sustainable practices and mitigate risks associated with changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

384

Dam Height

8.5

River Or Stream

East Fork Tuckasegee River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

476

Nid Storage

34600

Structural Height

8.5

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

9
       
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.