Graham City Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Graham City Lake Dam #1, located in Haw River, North Carolina, was completed in 1948 and serves as a vital water resource for the community.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam also supports water supply needs. Standing at a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 312 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 45 acres. The dam is situated on Back Creek within Alamance County and provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities.

Despite its age, Graham City Lake Dam #1 has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment since October 2015. The dam is not regulated by the state and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity. While the dam has not undergone any major modifications in recent years, it continues to provide essential water storage and recreational opportunities for the local community. As climate change impacts water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Graham City Lake Dam #1 becomes increasingly crucial for both water supply and environmental preservation efforts.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Back Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

44800

Nid Storage

312

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.