Alpine Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Alpine Lake Dam, located in Salisbury, North Carolina, serves as a vital recreational resource in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 14.9 feet with a hydraulic height of 11.4 feet, providing a storage capacity of 40.5 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Alpine Branch, contributes to fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond purposes, making it a versatile infrastructure for the local community.

Despite its significance, Alpine Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of November 2018. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement measures are in place to safeguard its integrity. With a drainage area of 295 square miles and a maximum discharge of 106 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

As a private-owned structure, Alpine Lake Dam invites enthusiasts of water resources and climate to appreciate its role in enhancing the recreational and ecological landscape of Rowan County, North Carolina. While facing challenges in terms of maintenance and safety, the dam remains a significant feature in the local environment, prompting ongoing efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability and functionality.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

900

River Or Stream

Alpine Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.8

Hydraulic Height

11.4

Drainage Area

295

Nid Storage

40.5

Structural Height

14.9

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.