High Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
High Lake Dam, located in Lenoir, North Carolina, serves as a crucial water supply source in Caldwell County.
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Summary
Constructed in 1920, this concrete gravity dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 70 acre-feet. The dam sits on Zacks Fork Creek-Tr and covers a surface area of 6 acres, with a drainage area of 169 square miles.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, High Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in December 2017. The dam has a hydraulic height of 35 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 330 cubic feet per second. While the dam does not have spillway infrastructure or outlet gates, it plays a significant role in providing water to the surrounding area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find High Lake Dam to be a noteworthy structure due to its historical significance and essential role in water supply management. With its impressive design and capacity, the dam showcases the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
100 |
River Or Stream |
Zacks Fork Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
169 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
High Lake Dam