Bird Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Bird Lake Dam, located in Whittier, North Carolina, is a private earth dam constructed on the Tuckaseigee River-Tr for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 19 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, this dam stands at 160 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet. The dam, completed in an undisclosed year, covers a surface area of 1.8 acres and is considered to have a significant hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2014.

While Bird Lake Dam is not state-regulated, it undergoes regular inspections to ensure its operational safety. The dam does not feature spillways, locks, or outlet gates, and its emergency action plan status remains unknown. Despite these uncertainties, the dam continues to serve as a recreational hub for residents and visitors alike, offering a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Its location on the Tuckaseigee River-Tr provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities and wildlife observation, making Bird Lake Dam a hidden gem in the heart of Jackson County, North Carolina.

Dam Length

160

River Or Stream

Tuckaseigee River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.8

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

15

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.