Wells Lake Dam Lower

Gold Branch· Cherokee, North Carolina· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Wells Lake Dam Lower is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length310 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage600 acre-ft
Normal Storage275 acre-ft
Surface Area50 acres
Max Discharge340 cfs
NID IDNC02106

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 21, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Wells Lake Estates POA, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wells Lake Dam Lower?

Wells Lake Dam Lower is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Wells Lake Dam Lower?

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

What is the primary purpose of Wells Lake Dam Lower?

Wells Lake Dam Lower 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 Wells Lake Dam Lower last inspected?

Wells Lake Dam Lower was last inspected on February 21, 2023. 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.