Hart Lake Dam Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hart Lake Dam Upper, located in Lincolnton, North Carolina, along Sampson Creek, is a privately-owned structure with a significant hazard potential.


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Summary

Built in 1967, this earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 35 feet and a hydraulic height of 29.5 feet, with a length of 400 feet and a storage capacity of 64.4 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including recreation, and is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.

Despite being in fair condition as of the last assessment in December 2020, the dam is subject to regular inspections every two years to ensure its safety and integrity. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 282 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 462 cubic feet per second. With a surface area of 4.6 acres, Hart Lake Dam Upper plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Catawba County and providing recreational opportunities for local residents.

Overall, Hart Lake Dam Upper is a key water management structure in North Carolina, serving both practical and recreational purposes. Its location in Catawba County, along with its significant hazard potential, highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the continued functionality of the dam in mitigating flood risks and providing recreational opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Sampson Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.6

Hydraulic Height

29.5

Drainage Area

282

Nid Storage

64.4

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.