Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 is an earth dam located in Clay County, North Carolina, built in 1942. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3
The primary purpose of Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Tva (federal). It impounds the Hiwassee River near Hayesville.
The dam stands 37 feet tall and stretches 320 feet across. Completed in 1942, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/09/2025.
At 37 feet, this dam is taller than 84% 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 | Clay |
| Nearest City | Hayesville |
| River/Stream | Hiwassee River |
| Coordinates | 35.02548, -83.77574 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 320 ft |
| Year Completed | 1942 (84 years old) |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | TVA |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/09/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC05538 |
| Federal ID | NC00391S003 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |