Hanging Rock State Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hanging Rock State Park Dam, located in Stokes, North Carolina, is a concrete gravity dam completed in 1938 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 33 feet and a structural height of 38 feet, the dam sits along Cascade Creek-Tr, offering a serene backdrop to visitors exploring the park. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a drainage area of 450 square miles, providing essential water resources for the surrounding ecosystem.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of March 2021, Hanging Rock State Park Dam poses a high hazard potential, necessitating regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety. The dam's last inspection in March 2021 revealed that it meets state regulations and is subject to oversight by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. With a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1855 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore Hanging Rock State Park, they can appreciate the engineering marvel of the dam and its significance in providing recreational opportunities, maintaining ecological balance, and safeguarding against potential hazards. With its picturesque setting and historical importance, the dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and environmental stewardship in managing water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

190

River Or Stream

Cascade Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

11.9

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

450

Nid Storage

290

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

38
       
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.