Sapphire Lake Lower Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Sapphire Lake Lower Dam, located in Sapphire, North Carolina, is a private-owned structure built in 1922 primarily for recreation on the Horsepasture River.


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Summary

The dam, made of concrete, stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, with a length of 145 feet. It has a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet, offering a surface area of 46 acres for recreational activities.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The last inspection in 2016 deemed its condition satisfactory, though its significant hazard potential warrants regular assessments and emergency preparedness measures.

With its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, Sapphire Lake Lower Dam serves as a vital water resource and climate enthusiast's delight, offering a tranquil oasis for visitors to enjoy nature and water-based activities in the heart of the Jackson County countryside.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

145

River Or Stream

Horsepasture River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

46

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

400

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.