Scotch-Irish Plantation Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Scotch-Irish Plantation Lake Dam, located in Cooleemee, North Carolina, is a private earth dam that was completed in 1958 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, providing a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet. Situated on the South Yadkin River-Os, this dam covers a surface area of 7 acres and serves a drainage area of 1088 square miles.

Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Scotch-Irish Plantation Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is in fair condition according to the last inspection conducted in October 2015. The dam has a state permit and is subject to regular inspections, enforcement, and regulatory oversight by the NCDEQ and DEMLR. With a capacity to discharge up to 59 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region.

Despite its private ownership, Scotch-Irish Plantation Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational asset in Rowan County, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. As a significant feature on the landscape, this dam contributes to the environmental diversity and resilience of the area, while also highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

219

River Or Stream

South Yadkin River-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

1088

Nid Storage

74

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.