Whitney Dam dam
Whitney Dam
Located in Swain County, North Carolina, the Whitney Dam (also known as Cloud Nine Dam) serves as a key recreational spot along Connelly Creek. This private-owned Earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 27 feet, with a structural height of 31 feet and a length of 145 feet. The dam offers a storage capacity of 10 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 7 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 0.7 acres. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is deemed fair as of the last inspection in January 2017.
The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring state oversight in permitting, inspection, and enforcement procedures. Its primary purpose is for recreation, attracting visitors to Bryson City for leisure activities. The dam's location within the Nashville District and the jurisdiction of Congressman Mark Meadows (R) adds to its significance in the local water resource management landscape. As a site for outdoor enjoyment and water-based activities, Whitney Dam stands as an essential structure in Swain County's environmental and recreational infrastructure.
With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance, Whitney Dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in North Carolina. As enthusiasts and climate advocates continue to appreciate its value, the dam's role in providing recreational opportunities and supporting the surrounding ecosystem remains crucial. As the state continues to regulate and monitor its condition, Whitney Dam promises to uphold its recreational legacy while ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability for future generations.
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 Whitney Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tuckasegee River At Barker's Creek | 458 cfs | → |
| Oconaluftee River At Birdtown | 181 cfs | → |
| Tuckasegee River At Bryson City | 686 cfs | → |
| Little Tennessee River At Needmore | 359 cfs | → |
| Little Tennessee R At Franklin | 1,050 cfs | → |
| Tuckasegee River At Sr 1172 Nr Cullowhee | 762 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Whitney Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Whitney Dam
Where does the data for Whitney 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 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 below 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.
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.