Sequoyah Dam

Cullasaja River· Macon, North Carolina· Built 1926· Concrete·
High Hazard Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Sequoyah Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 Length194 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage2.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.0K acre-ft
Surface Area54 acres
Drainage Area9,163 sq mi
Max Discharge11,900 cfs
Year Completed1926 (100 years old)
NID IDNC00160

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: December 30, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Town of Highlands

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sequoyah Dam?

Sequoyah 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 Sequoyah Dam?

Sequoyah Dam is owned by Town of Highlands (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sequoyah Dam built?

Sequoyah Dam was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Sequoyah Dam?

Sequoyah Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Sequoyah Dam last inspected?

Sequoyah Dam was last inspected on December 30, 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.