Santeetlah dam
Santeetlah
Santeetlah Dam, located in Graham, North Carolina, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of water resources. Constructed in 1928, this arch-type dam serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, while also providing recreational opportunities for visitors. With a towering structural height of 216 feet and a hydraulic height of 214.3 feet, the dam boasts an impressive storage capacity of 207,000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 152,000 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Santeetlah Dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and operational efficiency. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has not undergone a recent condition assessment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. The surrounding Cheoah River and the expansive surface area created by the dam offer a unique ecosystem for wildlife and recreational activities, making Santeetlah a valuable asset to the region's water resources and climate enthusiasts.
As a vital component of the local landscape, Santeetlah Dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and environmental preservation. With its rich history and significant impact on the surrounding area, this hydroelectric marvel continues to be a focal point for water resource management and climate resilience efforts. The dam's strategic location in the Nashville District further emphasizes its importance in harnessing the power of water for both energy production and public enjoyment.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Santeetlah -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cheoah River Nr Bearpen Gap Nr Tapoco | 141 cfs | → |
| Valley River At Tomotla | 116 cfs | → |
| Little Tennessee River At Needmore | 463 cfs | → |
| Little River Above Townsend | 122 cfs | → |
| Nantahala River Near Rainbow Springs | 121 cfs | → |
| Tellico River At Tellico Plains | 131 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Santeetlah .
Boat launches
- Joyce Kilmer Road 1986, Graham County
- Joyce Kilmer Road 1920, Robbinsville
- Massey Branch Road 1184, Robbinsville
- Meadow Branch Road Graham County
- Fontana Road 12574, Robbinsville
- Highway 28, Fontana Dam
Campgrounds
- Cheoah Point Campground
- Cheoah Point
- Cheoah Point Recreation Area
- Horse Cove
- Horse Cove Campground
- Rattler Ford Group Campground
Fishing spots
- Santeetlah Lake
- Massey Branch Fishing Pier
- Augerhole Branch
- Birchfield Branch
- Citico Creek
- Indian Boundary Lake
Paddle runs
- Polecat Branch To Snowbird Picnic Area
- Owlcamp Branch To Polecat Branch
- Headwaters Near Mitchell Lick To Owlcamp Branch
- Headwaters Near Graham County Line To Nc/Tn State Line
- Natahala Powerhouse To Lake Fontana (River Mile 4)
- Headwaters In Standing Indian Basin To Slackwater Of Natahala Lake
More reservoirs
Track Santeetlah in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Santeetlah
Where does the data for Santeetlah come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Santeetlah .