Lake Houser Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Houser Dam, also known as Houser Lake Dam, is a private dam located in Cleveland, North Carolina, specifically in the city of Gaston Shoals Sc.


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Summary

Built in 1970, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a hydraulic height of 45 feet and a structural height of 55 feet, the dam stands at a length of 340 feet, creating a surface area of 30 acres and providing a maximum storage capacity of 660 acre-feet.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Lake Houser Dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the state. Despite being classified with a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2020. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in January 2016, ensuring that necessary measures are in place for any potential risks. As a key feature in the Broad River-Tr watershed, Lake Houser Dam continues to be a vital component in the region's water resource management and recreational offerings, drawing visitors and enthusiasts alike to its picturesque surroundings.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

340

River Or Stream

Broad River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

45

Nid Storage

660

Structural Height

55

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

55
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

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.