Whiteside Lake Dam
Whiteside Lake Dam is a concrete dam located in Jackson County, North Carolina, built in 1949. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Whiteside Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Whiteside Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Whitesides Estates, Inc. (private). It impounds the Grassy Camp Creek near Norton.
The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 324 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Completed in 1949, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 02/13/2025.
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 | Norton |
| River/Stream | Grassy Camp Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.11330, -83.15270 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Length | 324 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 70 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 70 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 57 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Whitesides Estates, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/13/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00267 |
| Federal ID | NC00267 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |