Thorpe Dam, North Carolina, USA

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Quick Facts About Thorpe Dam

Location: Jackson, North Carolina
Coordinates: 35.197271, -83.154761
River: West Fork Tuckasegee River
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric
Type: Rockfill
Commissioned: 1941
Dam Height: 150 ft (46 m)
Dam Length: 900 ft (274 m)
Dam Capacity: 67,100 acre-ft (82,767 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Satisfactory

Thorpe Dam Map

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Thorpe Dam Information

Thorpe Dam is a rockfill dam located about 10 miles from Tuckasegee, Nc, Jackson, North Carolina.

The dam, which is on the West Fork Tuckasegee River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for benefits.

The dam was designed by and commissioned in 1941 and is currently owned by Duke Energy.

Thorpe Dam Structure

The Thorpe Dam is approximately 900 feet (274 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) high and has a structural volume of cubic yards (0 cubic metres).

Thorpe Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 65,600 acre-ft (80,916 Ml) and maximum capacity of 67,100 acre-ft (82,767 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 1,462 acres (592 ha) and the total catchment area is 37 square miles (96 square kilometres).

Thorpe Dam Spillway

The dam has a 238 feet (73 m) wide controlled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 61400 cubic feet per second (1739 cubic metres per second).

Thorpe Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

Thorpe Dam
Jackson, North Carolina
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 150 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 900 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 67,100 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 37 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

Thorpe Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Thorpe Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Thorpe Dam

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Thorpe Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Thorpe Dam?

Thorpe Dam is in North Carolina.

In which county is the Thorpe Dam?

Thorpe Dam is in Jackson County.

How high is the Thorpe Dam?

Thorpe Dam is 150 feet high.

How long is the Thorpe Dam?

Thorpe Dam is 900 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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