Sapphire Lake Upper Dam
Sapphire Lake Upper Dam is a concrete dam located in Jackson County, North Carolina, built in 1922. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Sapphire Lake Upper Dam
The primary purpose of Sapphire Lake Upper Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Sapphire Properties, Lp (private). It impounds the Nix Creek near Sapphire.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 258 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 10 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Completed in 1922, the structure is over a century 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 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 03/07/2025.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Jackson |
| Nearest City | Sapphire |
| River/Stream | Nix Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.10700, -83.02550 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 258 ft |
| Year Completed | 1922 (104 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 70 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 70 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Sapphire Properties, LP |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 03/07/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00201 |
| Federal ID | NC00201 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |