Suddreth Pond Dam Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Suddreth Pond Dam Upper, located in Mission, Cherokee, North Carolina, is a private dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, with an earth structure type, has a hydraulic height of 14.8 feet and a structural height of 14.7 feet. It spans 288 feet in length and has a normal storage capacity of 6 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 7 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Peachtree Creek-Tr and is owned and inspected by private entities, with no state regulation or permitting required.

Although last inspected in January 2014 and deemed to be in fair condition with a significant hazard potential, Suddreth Pond Dam Upper lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated emergency contacts. The dam does not have inundation maps prepared or meet EAP guidelines. Despite these shortcomings, the dam remains a popular spot for recreational activities, offering a surface area of one acre and serving as a local attraction in the area. With no state jurisdiction or regulatory agency overseeing its operations, it is essential for private owners to prioritize safety measures and maintenance to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the dam for visitors and the surrounding ecosystem.

Dam Length

288

River Or Stream

Peachtree Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

14.8

Nid Storage

7

Structural Height

14.7

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.