Pied Piper Dam Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pied Piper Dam Lower, located in the picturesque town of Hiawassee Village in Cherokee County, North Carolina, is a privately owned recreational dam completed in 1975.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 36 feet and a structural height of 41 feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of recreation, offering a serene spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding Persimmon Creek-Tr river.

Despite its scenic appeal, Pied Piper Dam Lower poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of July 2017. The dam has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a drainage area of 139 square miles, making it an important structure for water management in the region. However, with its last inspection in 2017 and a frequency of every 2 years, there are concerns about its long-term safety and maintenance.

As part of the Dam Safety Program regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the dam is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With its proximity to the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Pied Piper Dam Lower plays a crucial role in the local water resource infrastructure while also providing a recreational outlet for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

270

River Or Stream

Persimmon Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

139

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

41
       
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.