Shaw-Hudson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shaw-Hudson Lake Dam, located in Highfalls, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Constructed in 1970 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 22 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18 feet. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 40 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 5 acres.

The dam, situated on Richland Creek-Tr, is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition. With a high hazard potential, Shaw-Hudson Lake Dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 119 cubic feet per second. Despite its fair condition assessment as of April 2020, the dam poses a moderate risk, indicating the importance of ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and downstream communities.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Shaw-Hudson Lake Dam an intriguing structure, given its recreational importance and its role in water management. The dam's unique design and location within the Wilmington District of the USACE add to its significance in the local ecosystem. As a privately owned dam with state regulatory oversight, Shaw-Hudson Lake Dam represents a balance between human enjoyment of water resources and the need for careful monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

435

River Or Stream

Richland Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.