Lake Charles Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Lake Charles Dam, also known as French Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Macon, North Carolina, near the city of Franklin.


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Summary

The dam, built on Tessentee Creek-Tr, serves the primary purpose of recreation and stands at a hydraulic height of 21 feet with a structural height of 27 feet. It has a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 7 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.5 acres.

Despite its recreational focus, Lake Charles Dam poses a high hazard potential and is classified as being in fair condition as of the last assessment in January 2018. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections every two years. The Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction over the dam, with no federal agency ownership or funding associated with its operation.

With its scenic location and importance for recreational activities, Lake Charles Dam serves as a vital water resource in the region. However, its high hazard potential underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety of both the dam structure and the surrounding community. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find the dam's design and operational details intriguing, as well as the regulatory oversight and risk management measures in place to safeguard its integrity.

Dam Length

287

River Or Stream

Tessentee Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

247

Nid Storage

16

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

27
       
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.