Allison Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Allison Lake Dam, located in Cooleemee, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1930, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 32 feet and has a hydraulic height of 29 feet. With a storage capacity of 236 acre-feet, the dam helps regulate the South Yadkin River-Tr and covers a surface area of 7 acres.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Allison Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with regular state inspections and enforcement ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's last inspection took place in October 2015, with a recommended inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the condition assessment remains unrated, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently undisclosed.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Allison Lake Dam an intriguing structure, given its historical significance, recreational purpose, and role in regulating the South Yadkin River. With its unique location in Iredell County and the ongoing regulatory oversight from NCDEQ, DEMLR, and the Dam Safety Program, the dam presents a blend of environmental stewardship, engineering, and public safety considerations that make it a noteworthy site for study and admiration.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
372 |
River Or Stream |
South Yadkin River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
275 |
Nid Storage |
236 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hunting Creek Near Harmony
|
93cfs |
South Yadkin River Near Mocksville
|
230cfs |
Second Creek Near Barber
|
41cfs |
Lower Little River Nr All Healing Springs
|
18cfs |
Yadkin River At Elkin
|
706cfs |
Yadkin River At Yadkin College
|
1340cfs |
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.
Allison Lake Dam