Lupton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lupton Lake Dam, located in Sapphire, North Carolina, along the Horsepasture River, is a concrete structure primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1938, the dam stands at a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 18 feet, with a length of 300 feet. Despite its historical significance, the dam's condition has been assessed as poor, indicating the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure safety and functionality.

Owned privately, Lupton Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam has a significant hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate any risks to surrounding communities and the environment. With a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet and a surface area of 12 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also requiring careful oversight and management to address its current condition assessment.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of dams like Lupton Lake Dam is essential for ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and infrastructure. With ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight, there is an opportunity to address the dam's poor condition and implement risk management measures to safeguard its integrity and functionality for future generations. The history and significance of Lupton Lake Dam serve as a reminder of the importance of balancing recreation with safety and environmental stewardship in water resource management.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Horsepasture River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

69

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.