Apalachia Dam
Key Takeaway
Apalachia Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 150 ft (taller than 87.4% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 1,308 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 63.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 55.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,018 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 164,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00181 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
TVA
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Richard Allen Dam
Cherokee, NC
Significant HazardHamby Dam
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High HazardGrand Vista Dam
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Significant HazardSmokey Mtn Christian Camp
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Low HazardUnicoi Lake
Monroe, TN
Low HazardDills Dam
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High HazardSenecal Dam
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High HazardYellow Nugget
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Apalachia Dam?
Apalachia Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Apalachia Dam?
Apalachia Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Apalachia Dam built?
Apalachia Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Apalachia Dam?
Apalachia Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Apalachia Dam?
Apalachia Dam has a dam height of 150 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Apalachia Dam last inspected?
Apalachia Dam was last inspected on January 11, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.