Whitmire Lake Dam Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Whitmire Lake Dam Lower, located in Cherokee, North Carolina, is a private dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 37 feet and a hydraulic height of 34.3 feet, creating a lake with a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in January 2012.

The dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state safety standards. Whitmire Lake Dam Lower spans 155 feet in length and covers a surface area of 4 acres, providing a scenic recreational spot for visitors to enjoy. While the dam may require maintenance to improve its condition, it continues to offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating and fishing on Brasstown Creek-Tr.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Whitmire Lake Dam Lower serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of dams in our communities. With proper care and oversight, these structures can continue to provide recreational benefits while protecting surrounding areas from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

155

River Or Stream

Brasstown Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

34.3

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

37

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

37
       
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.