Lake Wanteska Dam

Lower Creek· Transylvania, North Carolina· Built 1972· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Wanteska Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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 Length406 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.7K acre-ft
Surface Area46 acres
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)
NID IDNC00198

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 8, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Connestee Falls POA, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Wanteska Dam?

Lake Wanteska 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 Wanteska Dam?

Lake Wanteska Dam is owned by Connestee Falls POA, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Wanteska Dam built?

Lake Wanteska Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Wanteska Dam?

Lake Wanteska 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 Wanteska Dam last inspected?

Lake Wanteska Dam was last inspected on March 8, 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.