Lake Toxaway Lower Dam

Toxaway River· Transylvania, North Carolina· Built 1961· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Toxaway Lower Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 Length700 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage21.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage15.7K acre-ft
Surface Area553 acres
Drainage Area4,971 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1961 (65 years old)
NID IDNC00167

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: November 29, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Lake Toxaway Community Association, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Toxaway Lower Dam?

Lake Toxaway Lower 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 Lake Toxaway Lower Dam?

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

When was Lake Toxaway Lower Dam built?

Lake Toxaway Lower Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Lake Toxaway Lower Dam?

Lake Toxaway Lower 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 Lake Toxaway Lower Dam last inspected?

Lake Toxaway Lower Dam was last inspected on November 29, 2022. 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.