Walters
Walters is an arch dam located in Haywood County, North Carolina, built in 1929. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Walters
The primary purpose of Walters is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Duke Energy (public utility). It impounds the Pigeon near Waterville.
The dam stands 208 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 359 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 17,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 455 square miles. Completed in 1929, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/27/2021.
At 208 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The North Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Haywood |
| Nearest City | Waterville |
| River/Stream | Pigeon |
| Coordinates | 35.69490, -83.05060 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Arch |
| NID Height | 208 ft |
| Dam Height | 185 ft |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 17,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 17,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 359 acres |
| Drainage Area | 455 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 68,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Duke Energy |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/27/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00318 |
| Federal ID | NC00318 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |