Hawthorne Lake Dam Lower Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hawthorne Lake Dam Lower, located in Statesville, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1960 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 21 feet, the dam spans 293 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 146 acre-feet. Situated on the Fourth Creek-Tr river, the dam serves as a low hazard structure with a condition assessment that is currently not rated.
Despite not being state regulated, Hawthorne Lake Dam Lower undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in October 2016. The dam is equipped with outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 260 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area offers a beautiful natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and picnicking. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of dams like Hawthorne Lake Dam Lower play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
293 |
River Or Stream |
Fourth Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
146 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
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 Lower