Cheoah Valley Dam
Key Takeaway
Cheoah Valley Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 Length | 154 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 96 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 84 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Max Discharge | 620 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | NC01716 |
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
Dick Holdings LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cheoah Valley Dam?
Cheoah Valley 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 Cheoah Valley Dam?
Cheoah Valley Dam is owned by Dick Holdings LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cheoah Valley Dam built?
Cheoah Valley Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Cheoah Valley Dam?
Cheoah Valley 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 Cheoah Valley Dam last inspected?
Cheoah Valley Dam was last inspected on January 26, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.