Robert Mosely Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Robert Mosely Dam, located in Tapoco, North Carolina, stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate considerations.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1986, this private dam serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Cheoah River-Trib, offering a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts. With a structural height of 26 feet and a hydraulic height of 20.7 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 29 acre-feet, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the area.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of January 2017, Robert Mosely Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location and purpose. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to mitigate risks. With a history of periodic inspections and a designated emergency action plan frequency of 2 years, the dam's safety and functionality are closely monitored to uphold the surrounding community's welfare and environmental integrity.

In a region represented by Congressman Mark Meadows, the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers oversees Robert Mosely Dam's operations, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the dam's 1.8-acre surface area and surrounding recreational opportunities, its role in balancing human needs with environmental stewardship remains a critical aspect of sustainable development in Graham, North Carolina.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

235

River Or Stream

Cheoah River-Trib

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.8

Hydraulic Height

20.7

Nid Storage

29

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.