Tuckasegee Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cedar Cliff - Spillway Cedar Cliff
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Tuckasegee, North Carolina, the Tuckasegee Dam is a key structure on the West Fork Tuckasegee River, primarily serving a hydroelectric purpose since its completion in 1950.
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Summary
With a dam height of 61 feet and a structural height of 63.8 feet, the Tuckasegee Dam boasts a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 8 acres and draining an area of 55 square miles.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Tuckasegee Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its size and location. This arch-type dam with a multi-arch core stands at 254 feet in length and has a controlled spillway width of 234 feet. Despite its age, the dam undergoes regular inspections by the FERC to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety, with emergency action plans in place to mitigate any potential risks.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be fascinated by the intricate design and purpose of the Tuckasegee Dam, which not only generates hydroelectric power but also plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the region. As a prominent feature on the West Fork Tuckasegee River, this dam symbolizes the intersection of human engineering with natural resources, highlighting the complex relationship between water infrastructure and environmental sustainability in North Carolina's Jackson County.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
254 |
Dam Height |
61 |
River Or Stream |
West Fork Tuckasegee River |
Primary Dam Type |
Arch |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
55 |
Nid Storage |
20 |
Structural Height |
63.8 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
64 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Tuckasegee