Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2 dam
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2, also known as Chatuge Lake, is a federal-owned structure located in Hayesville, North Carolina. Built in 1942 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this earth-type dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply for the surrounding area. With a height of 20 feet and a structural height of 27 feet, the dam spans 500 feet along the Hiwassee River, contributing to the management of water resources in the region.
The dam's high hazard potential and risk assessment rating of 2 highlight the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam is inspected every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The absence of a spillway and outlet gates indicates the need for alternative risk management measures in case of high water levels. Despite its age, Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2 remains a critical piece of infrastructure for the community, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change challenges.
With its picturesque location and historical significance, Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2 stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the intersection of water resource management and environmental conservation. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the role of structures like Chatuge Dam becomes increasingly vital in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for both present and future generations. The collaboration between federal agencies like TVA and local communities underscores the shared responsibility in safeguarding our water resources and adapting to a changing climate landscape.
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.
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 Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nantahala River Near Rainbow Springs | 96 cfs | → |
| Valley River At Tomotla | 85 cfs | → |
| Nottely River Near Blairsville | 60 cfs | → |
| Tallulah River Near Clayton | 62 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River At Helen | 57 cfs | → |
| Cartoogechaye Creek Near Franklin | 261 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2.
Boat launches
- Jackrabbit Boating Access
- Music Hall Road Towns County
- Lake Chatuge Towns County
- Hiwassee Street Murphy
- Doucette Circle 2647, 30512
- Payne Street Murphy
Campgrounds
- Jackrabbit Mountain
- Gibson Cove Campground
- Clay County Recreation Campground
- Jackrabbit Mountain Campground
- Gibson Cove - Chatuge Reservoir
- Clay Co Park
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Headwaters In Standing Indian Basin To Slackwater Of Natahala Lake
- Source Near Chattahoochee Gap To Mark Trail Wilderness Boundary
- Mark Trail Wilderness Boundry To Old Turnpike Crossing Near Vandiver Branch
- Old Turnpike Crossing To Martin Branch Bridge
- Headwaters Near Mitchell Lick To Owlcamp Branch
- Owlcamp Branch To Polecat Branch
Track Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2
Where does the data for Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 2.