Beaver Creek Dam

Beaver Creek· Cumberland, North Carolina· Built 1936· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Beaver Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Length900 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage650 acre-ft
Surface Area130 acres
Max Discharge4,904 cfs
Year Completed1936 (90 years old)
NID IDNC01143

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 25, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

McFayden Lake Association, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Beaver Creek Dam?

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek Dam?

Beaver Creek Dam is owned by McFayden Lake Association, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Beaver Creek Dam built?

Beaver Creek Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Beaver Creek Dam?

Beaver Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Beaver Creek Dam last inspected?

Beaver Creek Dam was last inspected on April 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.