Deyton Dam

Deyton Dam is an earth dam located in Yancey County, North Carolina, built in 1950. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.

About Deyton Dam

The primary purpose of Deyton Dam is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Kenneth F Deyton (private). It impounds the Ut To Crabtree Creek.

The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 235 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 10 acre-feet. Completed in 1950, 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. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/04/2025.

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.

High HazardPoor ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNorth Carolina
CountyYancey
River/StreamUt To Crabtree Creek
Coordinates35.92360, -82.27190

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height22 ft
Dam Length235 ft
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage10 acre-ft
Max Storage10 acre-ft
Normal Storage9 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Max Discharge127 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFish and Wildlife Pond
OwnerKenneth F Deyton
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentPoor
Last Inspection03/04/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNC05632
Federal IDNC05632
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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