Hawthorne Lake Dam Upper Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hawthorne Lake Dam Upper, located in Statesville, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1953 primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
With a structural height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 9.5 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, providing a tranquil 5-acre surface area for water enthusiasts to enjoy. Situated on Fourth Creek-Tr, the dam serves as a picturesque destination for locals and visitors to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding Iredell County landscape.
Despite its low hazard potential, Hawthorne Lake Dam Upper undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in October 2016. The dam has not been rated for its condition, though it meets safety standards to ensure the well-being of the community. While not state-regulated, the dam stands as a testament to private ownership and responsible stewardship, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the ecological value of this site within the Wilmington District, where the dam contributes to the local hydrological cycle and enhances the natural beauty of the area.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
308 |
River Or Stream |
Fourth Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
9.5 |
Drainage Area |
627 |
Nid Storage |
58 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Hawthorne Lake Dam Upper