Chestnut Hill Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ivy River Capitola Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Marshall, North Carolina, the Chestnut Hill Dam, also known as McGee Dam, is a private recreational earth dam situated on the Long Branch river.
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Summary
Standing at a hydraulic height of 35 feet and a structural height of 38 feet, this dam offers a serene environment for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. With a normal storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and a drainage area of 70 acres, this dam provides a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of February 2018, the Chestnut Hill Dam has a high hazard potential, reflecting the importance of ongoing maintenance and inspection. The dam's emergency action plan has not been updated recently, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in mitigating potential risks. Owned privately, this dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring compliance with state regulations and inspections to uphold public safety.
For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, the Chestnut Hill Dam serves as a valuable case study in balancing recreational use with dam safety. The dam's location in the Nashville District and its proximity to the city of Marshall offer a unique opportunity to observe the intersection of human activity and natural resources in a rural setting. With its historical significance and potential for future risk management measures, the Chestnut Hill Dam presents a compelling site for further exploration and study in the realm of water infrastructure and climate adaptation.
Dam Length |
270 |
River Or Stream |
Long Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
70 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
French Broad River At Marshall
|
1300cfs |
Ivy River Near Marshall
|
70cfs |
French Broad River At Hot Springs
|
1500cfs |
French Broad River At Asheville
|
1110cfs |
Beetree Creek Near Swannanoa
|
5cfs |
Swannanoa River At Biltmore
|
63cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Evan's Island Campsite
|
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Big Pine Campsite
|
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Windy Gap - A Young Life Camp
|
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Campfire Lodgings
|
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Silvermine Group Campground
|
Chestnut Hill Dam