Lake Lure Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lake Lure Dam, situated in North Carolina's scenic Rutherford County, is a vital hydroelectric and recreational structure on the Rocky Broad River.
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Summary
Completed in 1927, this concrete dam stands at a structural height of 124 feet, with a hydraulic height of 122 feet, providing a surface area of 740 acres for various recreational activities. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, with a storage capacity of 44,914 acre-feet and a drainage area of 60,800 acres.
Despite its historical significance, Lake Lure Dam poses a high hazard potential and is currently rated as being in poor condition. The dam is owned by a public utility and is subject to state regulation and inspection by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program. The inspection frequency is every two years, with the last assessment conducted in January 2019. Emergency action plans are in place, although the overall risk assessment and management measures for the dam are not specified in the available data.
Lake Lure Dam, with its beautiful surroundings and crucial role in power generation and recreation, serves as a notable landmark in North Carolina. As water resource and climate enthusiasts appreciate the importance of maintaining and ensuring the safety of such structures, ongoing monitoring and potential improvements to the dam's condition will be essential to safeguard both the environment and the community that relies on its benefits.
Year Completed |
1927 |
Dam Length |
480 |
River Or Stream |
Rocky Broad River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
740 |
Hydraulic Height |
122 |
Drainage Area |
60800 |
Nid Storage |
44914 |
Structural Height |
124 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
124 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lake Lure Dam