Westgate Plaza Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Westgate Plaza Dam, located in Macon County, North Carolina, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Cartoogechaye Creek-Tr.


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Summary

Built in 1988, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet. The dam is privately owned and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEMLR) Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.

With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of January 2017, Westgate Plaza Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the Franklin area. The dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, highlighting the commitment to maintaining its structural integrity and ensuring public safety. Despite the lack of specific details on the spillway type and other technical aspects, the dam continues to fulfill its purpose effectively and serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Westgate Plaza Dam offers an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management. Its location, design, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the challenges and importance of maintaining critical water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns. The dam's presence not only safeguards the local community from flood risks but also underscores the need for sustainable water resource management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1988

River Or Stream

Cartoogechaye Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

15

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.