Lipham Dam Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

North Carolina

Nearby: Fishers Lake Dam Lake Jane Dam

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lipham Dam, located in Haywood, North Carolina, stands as a testament to engineering and design, completed in 1950 for the primary purpose of recreation.

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Summary

This private-owned earth dam on a tributary to the Pigeon River boasts a structural height of 49 feet and a length of 300 feet, offering a surface area of 2.5 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Despite its age, the dam is in fair condition with a high hazard potential, necessitating regular inspections every two years to ensure its continued safety.

Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Lipham Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to uphold safety standards and protect downstream communities. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2009, and although it meets guidelines, further risk assessments and management measures may be needed to enhance preparedness in case of a catastrophic event. With no associated structures or federal agency involvement, the dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts who value its role in providing recreational opportunities in the region.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the surrounding landscape, Lipham Dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure that not only offers recreational benefits but also poses potential risks that must be carefully managed. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring structures like Lipham Dam becomes increasingly significant to ensure the safety of both the dam and the communities it serves. Enthusiasts and stakeholders alike can appreciate the beauty and engineering excellence of Lipham Dam while recognizing the need for ongoing vigilance and stewardship to protect its integrity for generations to come.

Year Completed	1950
Dam Length	300
River Or Stream	TRIB. TO PIGEON RIVER
Primary Dam Type	Earth
Surface Area	2.5
Drainage Area	82
Structural Height	49
Hazard Potential	High
Nid Height	49

Explore Interactive Map

LIPHAM DAM

Reservoir Report • Water Levels • Weather Forecast

December 13, 2025

Year_Completed	1950
Dam_Length	300
River_Or_Stream	TRIB. TO PIGEON RIVER
Primary_Dam_Type	Earth
Surface_Area	2.5
Drainage_Area	82
Structural_Height	49
Hazard_Potential	High
Nid_Height	49

Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Pigeon River Near Canton 121.0cfs	121cfs
East Fork Pigeon River Near Canton 51.0cfs	51cfs
W Fk Pigeon R At Bethel 62.3cfs	62cfs
West Fork Pigeon River Near Retreat 36.4cfs	36cfs
W F Pigeon R Above Lake Logan Nr Hazelwood 47.4cfs	47cfs
Pigeon River Near Hepco 314.0cfs	314cfs

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.