Long Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Long Lake Dam, also known as City Lake Dam, is a concrete gravity dam located in Albemarle, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1915, this dam serves as a crucial water supply source for the area, with a storage capacity of 1397 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 833 acre-feet. Situated on Long Creek, the dam has a structural height of 30.6 feet and a hydraulic height of 26 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 7900 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the local government, Long Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam is considered to have a high hazard potential, but its condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in December 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential water supply services to the community, showcasing the importance of proper maintenance and regulation for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

With its historical significance and critical role in water supply management, Long Lake Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance environmental and infrastructural needs in the face of climate challenges. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate sustainability, understanding the complexities and importance of structures like Long Lake Dam is key to advocating for responsible stewardship of our natural resources and ensuring the resilience of our communities in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

475

River Or Stream

Long Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

91.5

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

20200

Nid Storage

1397

Structural Height

30.6

Hazard Potential

High

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.