Lockville Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lockville, also known as Blacknell, is a privately owned hydroelectric dam located in Chatham, North Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1922, this gravity dam stands at 13 feet tall and stretches 900 feet in length, controlling the flow of the Deep River. With a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 14,400 cubic feet per second, Lockville plays a crucial role in water resource management and energy production in the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Lockville has a low hazard potential and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 600 feet and an outlet gate for water release. Despite its age, Lockville continues to operate efficiently, contributing to the region's water supply and renewable energy generation efforts.

Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Lockville's historical significance and technological features intriguing. This masonry dam, with a multi-arch core and rock foundation, showcases the ingenuity of early 20th-century engineering. As efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable practices continue, Lockville stands as a symbol of the intersection between water management, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Deep River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

1420

Nid Storage

400

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

13
       
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.