Mother Earth Dam Upper is an earth dam located in Transylvania County, North Carolina. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 33 ft33 ft tall and 120 ft long, taller than 76% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Mother Earth Dam Upper
The primary purpose of Mother Earth Dam Upper is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Jane Shuttleworth (private). It impounds the Gash Creek near Blantyre.
The dam stands 33 feet tall and stretches 120 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 23 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 03/04/2024.
At 33 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Transylvania |
| Nearest City | Blantyre |
| River/Stream | Gash Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.30730, -82.64470 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 33 ft |
| Dam Length | 120 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 23 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 23 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Jane Shuttleworth |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 03/04/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC01375 |
| Federal ID | NC01375 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |