Meadows Lake Dam
Meadows Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Jackson County, North Carolina, built in 1971. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Meadows Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Meadows Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Fairfield Sapphire Valley Master Association, Inc. (private). It impounds the Ut To Horsepasture River near Sapphire.
The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 170 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 45 acre-feet. Completed in 1971, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/02/2024.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Jackson |
| Nearest City | Sapphire |
| River/Stream | Ut To Horsepasture River |
| Coordinates | 35.11590, -83.04120 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 170 ft |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 30 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Fairfield Sapphire Valley Master Association, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 12/02/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC01199 |
| Federal ID | NC01199 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |