Sugar Mtn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sugar Mtn Dam, also known as Snow Lake, is a private-owned structure located in Avery County, North Carolina, near the city of Banner Elk.


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Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 27.2 feet and a structural height of 31.7 feet, with a total length of 370 feet. The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other," with a storage capacity of 11 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 8 acre-feet. It is situated on Flattop Creek and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.

The dam's hazard potential is classified as "High," but its condition assessment as of June 2019 was deemed "Satisfactory." The last inspection date was recorded on June 25, 2019, with an inspection frequency of every two years. Despite its private ownership, the dam is subject to state regulation and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. With its critical role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region, Sugar Mtn Dam serves as a vital structure in the local watershed, highlighting the importance of monitoring and maintaining infrastructure for sustainable water management in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

370

River Or Stream

Flattop Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.7

Hydraulic Height

27.2

Nid Storage

11

Structural Height

31.7

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

32
       
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.