Hogback Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Hogback Dam, also known as Little Hogback Dam, is a private dam located in Sapphire, North Carolina, along Little Hogback Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 42.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 38.5 feet. It serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a surface area of 23 acres and a normal storage capacity of 299 acre-feet.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Hogback Dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure public safety. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of March 2021 is considered fair. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one occurring in March 2021, to monitor the dam's integrity and address any maintenance needs promptly.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management of dams and their impact on local ecosystems will find Hogback Dam a noteworthy case study. With its location in a picturesque setting in Jackson County, North Carolina, this dam provides both recreational opportunities and vital water storage capabilities, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

340

River Or Stream

Little Hogback Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

38.5

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

391

Structural Height

42.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

43
       
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.