Abstract:
A crack was discovered in Fontana Dam, located in Swain County, in 1972. The four-year effort to repair the dam ended in late 1976. The crack was caused by heat expansion, with temperatures reaching 125 degrees. An expansion slot was constructed and placed in the curve in late 1976 after Fontana Lake was lowered 134 feet. With the lake still lowered, now is a great time to visit and see some of the land normally below water.