Cataloochee Ski Slope Dam
Cataloochee Ski Slope Dam is an earth dam located in Haywood County, North Carolina, built in 1998. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Cataloochee Ski Slope Dam
The primary purpose of Cataloochee Ski Slope Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Phoenix Ski Corporation (private). It impounds the Ut To Hemphill Creek near Maggie Valley.
The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 180 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 0 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 15 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1998, the structure is 28 years old.
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 04/01/2025.
At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% of dams nationwide.
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 | Maggie Valley |
| River/Stream | Ut To Hemphill Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.56220, -83.09300 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Length | 180 ft |
| Year Completed | 1998 (28 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 15 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 15 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 13 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 413 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | Phoenix Ski Corporation |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/01/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC02999 |
| Federal ID | NC02999 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |