Headley-May Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Headley-May Dam, located in Marble, North Carolina, was completed in 1958 and serves as a recreational spot along Truett Branch.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a structural height of 19.7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15.7 feet, with a capacity to store 8 acre-feet of water. Despite its purpose for recreation, the dam poses a significant hazard with a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2013.

The dam, also known as May Dam, has not been modified over the years and lacks certain safety features like spillways and outlet gates. Its location in Cherokee County and close proximity to Congressional District 11 raise concerns about its maintenance and regulatory oversight. With a limited surface area of 1 acre and a maximum discharge of 160 cubic feet per second, the dam requires attention to ensure public safety and proper risk management measures.

Given its poor condition and significant hazard potential, the Headley-May Dam warrants urgent inspection and potential rehabilitation to mitigate any risks of failure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts should monitor developments regarding this dam to ensure that appropriate safety measures are taken to protect the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

185

River Or Stream

Truett Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

15.7

Nid Storage

8

Structural Height

19.7

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.