Whitley Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Whitley Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 907 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 187 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 59 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,026 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 330 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2004 |
| NID ID | NC00981 |
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
Happy Valley Farms, LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Cobb Lake Dam
Greene, NC
Low HazardPhelps Lake Dam
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Low HazardCruse Dam
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Significant HazardRudy Hill Dam
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High HazardLunker Lake Dam
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Low HazardWayne County Wildlife Pond Dam
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High HazardTurnage Millpond Dam
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High HazardBass Lake Dam
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whitley Lake Dam?
Whitley 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 Whitley Lake Dam?
Whitley Lake Dam is owned by Happy Valley Farms, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whitley Lake Dam built?
Whitley Lake Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Whitley Lake Dam?
Whitley Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Whitley Lake Dam last inspected?
Whitley Lake Dam was last inspected on February 9, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.