Flowers Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Flowers Lake Dam, located in Catawba, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

Completed in 1973, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 31 feet, with a total length of 222 feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a storage capacity of 86.8 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Flowers Lake Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in December 2019. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are currently under review, indicating a commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure for the surrounding community and environment.

Situated along Elk Shoal Creek, Flowers Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. With its recreational value and significant storage capacity, the dam serves as both a functional infrastructure and a potential risk factor that requires continuous monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure long-term sustainability for the area.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

222

River Or Stream

Elk Shoal Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

86.8

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.