Wildwood Mountain Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wildwood Mountain Dam is a privately owned structure located in Macon, North Carolina, near the city of Highlands.


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Summary

Situated on the Big Creek, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 22.9 feet. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering a surface area of 2 acres and a normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet. Despite its recreational benefits, Wildwood Mountain Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as unsatisfactory in condition as of the last inspection in April 2020.

The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), specifically the Dam Safety Program. It is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring that safety measures are in place to protect downstream areas in case of emergencies. The dam's hazard potential underscores the importance of proper risk management and emergency preparedness, though details regarding an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and risk assessment are currently unavailable. With its location in a picturesque natural setting, Wildwood Mountain Dam serves as both a recreational attraction and a reminder of the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

250

River Or Stream

Big Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

22.9

Nid Storage

25

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.