Cheoah Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cheoah is a privately owned hydroelectric dam located in Tapoco, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1919, this gravity dam stands at a height of 214 feet and has a hydraulic height of 236 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 42,000 acre-feet. The dam, designed in a multi-arch core type with a rock foundation, spans 750 feet across the Little Tennessee River and has a spillway width of 475 feet.

With a hazard potential rated as high and a risk assessment indicating very high risk, Cheoah is closely monitored by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2020, and while the condition assessment is not available, inspections are conducted annually. The dam features 19 Tainter (radial) outlet gates and a maximum discharge capacity of 225,200 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial part of the region's water resource management and energy production infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cheoah represents a fascinating blend of engineering innovation and environmental impact in the context of hydroelectric power generation.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

214

River Or Stream

Little Tennessee

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1767

Hydraulic Height

236

Drainage Area

1608

Nid Storage

42000

Structural Height

229

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 19

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

236
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.