Sapphire Valley Golf Course Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Sapphire Valley Golf Course Dam, also known as Mud Creek Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Sapphire, North Carolina, within Jackson County.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam regulates Mud Creek and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a hydraulic height of 14.4 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, it has a normal storage capacity of 2 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 15 acre-feet. Despite its importance for recreation, the dam has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in March 2021.

Managed by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, the dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Its location, close to the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, presents additional oversight and potential support in case of emergencies. The dam's condition and hazard potential highlight the need for ongoing risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the structure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed and engaged with developments related to the Sapphire Valley Golf Course Dam can help promote responsible stewardship of this essential infrastructure.

With its unique position within the picturesque landscape of Sapphire Valley, the dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem and recreational activities. As discussions around dam safety and climate change intensify, the future management and maintenance of the Sapphire Valley Golf Course Dam will be crucial in safeguarding both the environment and the community. By understanding the complexities and challenges associated with this structure, water resource and climate enthusiasts can advocate for sustainable practices and policies that prioritize the long-term well-being of this essential water resource.

Dam Length

160

River Or Stream

Mud Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.7

Hydraulic Height

14.4

Drainage Area

335

Nid Storage

15

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.