Harwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harwood Lake Dam, located in Mount Holly, North Carolina, was completed in 1961 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This private dam on Catawba River-Os stands at a structural height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet. It has a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet and a drainage area of 77 square miles, making it a significant feature in the region's water resource management.

Despite its age, Harwood Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition. The dam is state-regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to maintain its integrity. The last inspection was conducted in January 2019, with a frequency of every five years to assess any potential risks or hazards associated with the structure.

With its picturesque location and contribution to the local water system, Harwood Lake Dam serves as both a recreational hotspot and a vital component of water resource management in Mecklenburg County. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the importance of maintaining and regulating dams like Harwood Lake becomes increasingly crucial in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

330

River Or Stream

Catawba River-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

77

Nid Storage

58

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.