Sossamon Dam
Sossamon Dam is an earth dam located in Swain County, North Carolina, built in 1957. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Sossamon Dam
The primary purpose of Sossamon Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Great Smokies Sky Camp, Llc (private). It impounds the Lemmons Branch near Almond.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 11 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1957, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. The most recent inspection on record was 01/24/2023.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Swain |
| Nearest City | Almond |
| River/Stream | Lemmons Branch |
| Coordinates | 35.42950, -83.46020 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 11 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 11 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 10 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Great Smokies Sky Camp, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 01/24/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC04334 |
| Federal ID | NC04334 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |