Tuckasegee
Tuckasegee is an arch dam located in Jackson County, North Carolina, built in 1950. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Tuckasegee
The primary purpose of Tuckasegee 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 West Fork Tuckasegee River near Tuckasegee, Nc.
The dam stands 64 feet tall and stretches 254 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 8 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 20 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 55 square miles. Completed in 1950, 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 64 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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 | Jackson |
| Nearest City | Tuckasegee, Nc |
| River/Stream | West Fork Tuckasegee River |
| Coordinates | 35.23865, -83.12385 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Arch |
| NID Height | 64 ft |
| Dam Height | 61 ft |
| Dam Length | 254 ft |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 20 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 20 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 20 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Drainage Area | 55 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 108,000 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 | NC00337 |
| Federal ID | NC00337 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |