Devils Lake Dam

Watauga River-Tr· Watauga, North Carolina· Built 1965· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Devils Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 Length410 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage74 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area247 sq mi
Max Discharge2,731 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDNC00256

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: March 10, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Seven Devils Resort Club

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Devils Lake Dam?

Devils Lake 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 Devils Lake Dam?

Devils Lake Dam is owned by Seven Devils Resort Club (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Devils Lake Dam built?

Devils Lake Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Devils Lake Dam?

Devils Lake 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 Devils Lake Dam last inspected?

Devils Lake Dam was last inspected on March 10, 2021. 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.