Shephard Lake Dam dam
Shephard Lake Dam
Shephard Lake Dam in North Carolina is a private-owned structure situated on Cherry Cove Stream, with a primary purpose of recreation. This earth dam stands at a structural height of 66 feet and has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. Despite its recreational focus, the dam has been classified as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, based on a 2013 inspection report.
The dam, managed by the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, has not undergone any modifications since its completion, and lacks detailed information on its design and construction. While it has been subject to state inspections, it is not under state regulation or permitting. The last inspection in 2013 highlighted the dam's poor condition, indicating a need for further assessment and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and downstream communities in Clay County, North Carolina.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Shephard Lake Dam may find its unique recreational focus and significant hazard potential intriguing, prompting further investigation into its current condition and potential risks. The lack of recent data and detailed information on its design and construction underscore the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this structure. As the dam continues to be monitored for any changes in its condition, it serves as a reminder of the importance of proper management and maintenance of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Shephard Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nantahala River Near Rainbow Springs | 121 cfs | → |
| Tallulah River Near Clayton | 75 cfs | → |
| Nottely River Near Blairsville | 81 cfs | → |
| Valley River At Tomotla | 116 cfs | → |
| Cartoogechaye Creek Near Franklin | 261 cfs | → |
| Little Tennessee River Near Prentiss | 174 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Shephard Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Jackrabbit Boating Access
- Music Hall Road Towns County
- Lake Chatuge Towns County
- Doucette Circle 2647, 30512
- Hiwassee Street Murphy
- Payne Street Murphy
Campgrounds
- Jackrabbit Mountain Campground
- Jackrabbit Mountain
- Georgia Mountain Fair Campground
- Clay Co Park
- Lake Chatuga
- Clay County Recreation Campground
Fishing spots
- Hickory Nut Cove Trout Farm
- Lake Burton
- Seed Lake
- Lake Rabun
- Tallulah Falls Lake
- Massey Branch Fishing Pier
Paddle runs
- Headwaters In Standing Indian Basin To Slackwater Of Natahala Lake
- Source Near Chattahoochee Gap To Mark Trail Wilderness Boundary
- Mark Trail Wilderness Boundry To Old Turnpike Crossing Near Vandiver Branch
- Old Turnpike Crossing To Martin Branch Bridge
- Martin Branch Bridge To Robertsontown Bridge On Ga Highway 356
- Owlcamp Branch To Polecat Branch
Track Shephard Lake Dam 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 Shephard Lake Dam
Where does the data for Shephard Lake Dam 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 Significant 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 Shephard Lake Dam.