Whaley Lake Dam is a High Hazard Classification dam that was in poor condition and in need of extensive repairs. The dam and lake were on an abandoned property that was being held by the County. The Town wanted to take over ownership since it was such an important recreational asset for the region. The Town created the Whaley Lake Dam Improvement District to take ownership of the dam and to undertake its repair.

Fuss & O’Neill assisted the Town with the design, funding, permitting, district formation, and rate setting, as well as construction administration and part-time observation of the improvements to the dam. Specific improvements included the construction of a new concrete arch spillway to pass the 1/2 probable maximum flood for the dam with freeboard and the replacement of the intake and low level out structures for water level control. The work also included the addition of materials at the upstream, downstream, and crest of the dam to fortify the dam to meet stability requirements, to limit seepage, and to strengthen the overall structure.