J. L. Fennell Dam
J. L. Fennell Dam is an earth dam located in Macon County, North Carolina. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About J. L. Fennell Dam
The primary purpose of J. L. Fennell Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Nancy F Fennell (private). It impounds the Younce Creek near Fontana Lake.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 125 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 10 acre-feet.
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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/17/2025.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Macon |
| Nearest City | Fontana Lake |
| River/Stream | Younce Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.23390, -83.49550 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 125 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 10 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 10 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Nancy F Fennell |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 03/17/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC03344 |
| Federal ID | NC03344 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |