Long Shoals Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Long Shoals Lake Dam, located in the city of Long Shoals, North Carolina, is a private dam constructed in 1901 for hydroelectric purposes on the South Fork River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a structural height of 13 feet and a length of 350 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 30 acres. Despite being privately owned, the dam is not regulated by the state and has a low hazard potential.
The dam, managed by LINCO-004, falls under the jurisdiction of the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While it has not been rated for its condition, the dam underwent its last inspection in October 2014 and is deemed to be in a satisfactory state. With a maximum discharge capacity of 990 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as an important structure for water resource management and hydroelectric power generation in the region. Its historical significance and functional design make Long Shoals Lake Dam a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1901 |
Dam Length |
350 |
River Or Stream |
South Fork River |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
30 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
302720 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Indian Creek Near Laboratory
|
28cfs |
Long Creek Near Bessemer City
|
12cfs |
South Fork Catawba River At Lowell
|
356cfs |
Killian Creek Near Mariposa
|
10cfs |
Long Creek Nr Rhyne
|
43cfs |
Mcdowell Creek Nr Charlotte
|
17cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Long Shoals Lake Dam