Upper Tanglewood Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Upper Tanglewood Dam, also known as Blatt Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Murphy, North Carolina.


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Summary

Completed in 1974, this earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes on the Valley River-Tr. With a hydraulic height of 27.5 feet and a structural height of 31 feet, it offers a maximum storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 18 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational significance, Upper Tanglewood Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of February 2018. The dam has a history of state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, indicating a commitment to ensuring public safety and compliance with regulatory standards. While the dam lacks certain features such as spillways and outlet gates, its association with the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers suggests a broader oversight framework for its operation and maintenance.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Upper Tanglewood Dam would find its location in Cherokee County, North Carolina, along with its historical significance and potential risks intriguing. The dam's proximity to the Valley River-Tr and its role in providing recreational opportunities make it a focal point for environmental conservation efforts and ongoing monitoring. With the dam's outdated inspection records and lack of emergency action plans, there is a call for improved risk assessment and management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and natural environment from any potential hazards.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

235

River Or Stream

Valley River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

27.5

Drainage Area

155

Nid Storage

25

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.