Pied Piper Dam Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pied Piper Dam Upper, located in Hiawassee Village, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1973, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, with a length of 220 feet and a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, this dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment, last conducted in 2017.

The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources, Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures. While the dam's primary purpose is recreation, its location on the Persimmon Creek-Trib stream underscores its importance in managing water resources in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 650 cubic feet per second, Pied Piper Dam Upper plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management for Cherokee County.

As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, keeping an eye on the maintenance and condition assessment of Pied Piper Dam Upper is vital for understanding its role in the local ecosystem and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. The dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human recreational activities and the need for sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

220

River Or Stream

Persimmon Creek-Trib

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

18

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
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.