Kay Thompson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Metcalf Dam Jordan Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Cliffside, North Carolina, the Kay Thompson Dam is a private-owned structure regulated by the state's Dam Safety Program.
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Summary
This earth-type dam stands at an impressive hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, with a length of 286 feet and a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 3 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of January 2019, the Kay Thompson Dam is subject to regular inspections every two years to ensure its safety and functionality. While the dam does not have a designated emergency action plan (EAP) in place, its enforcement, inspection, and permitting are overseen by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Despite its limited associated structures and lack of federal funding or agency involvement, the Kay Thompson Dam remains a key feature in the local water resource management and climate conservation efforts in Polk County.
Dam Length |
286 |
River Or Stream |
Ut to Walnut Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
35 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Kay Thompson Dam