Trout Lake Dam

Laurel Fork Creek· Watauga, North Carolina· Built 1971· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Trout Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 Length170 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage60 acre-ft
Normal Storage42 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Year Completed1971 (55 years old)
NID IDNC00152

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: February 22, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Powder Horn Mountain POA

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Trout Lake Dam?

Trout 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 Trout Lake Dam?

Trout Lake Dam is owned by Powder Horn Mountain POA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Trout Lake Dam built?

Trout Lake Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Trout Lake Dam?

Trout 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 Trout Lake Dam last inspected?

Trout Lake Dam was last inspected on February 22, 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.