Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1
Key Takeaway
Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1 is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1984 and is 42 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 | 250 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 390 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 309 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 131 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
| NID ID | NC04362 |
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
Burlingame Country Club, Inc.
Private
Nearby Dams
Sapphire Lower Dam
Transylvania, NC
Low HazardIntermont Dam
Transylvania, NC
High HazardSapphire Lake Lower Dam
Jackson, NC
Significant HazardHogback Dam
Jackson, NC
High HazardCardinal Lake Dam
Transylvania, NC
Significant HazardSapphire Lake Upper Dam
Jackson, NC
Significant HazardLake Toxaway Lower Dam
Transylvania, NC
High HazardSapphire Valley Golf Course Dam
Jackson, NC
High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1?
Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1 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 Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1?
Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1 is owned by Burlingame Country Club, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1 built?
Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1 was completed in 1984, making it 42 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 Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1?
Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1 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 Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1 last inspected?
Sapphire Lakes G & T Dam #1 was last inspected on December 20, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.