Weatherman Dam

Weatherman Dam is an earth dam located in Avery County, North Carolina. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Weatherman Dam

The primary purpose of Weatherman Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Weatherman Of Spruce Pine, Lp (private). It impounds the North Toe River near Spruce Pine.

The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 10 acre-feet.

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 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 04/21/2025.

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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNorth Carolina
CountyAvery
Nearest CitySpruce Pine
River/StreamNorth Toe River
Coordinates35.95850, -82.00550

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height23 ft
Dam Length200 ft

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage10 acre-ft
Max Storage10 acre-ft
Normal Storage7 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres

Ownership & Safety

PurposeIrrigation
OwnerWeatherman of Spruce Pine, LP
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection04/21/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNC01870
Federal IDNC01870
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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