Lake Michael Dam, located in Haw River, North Carolina, is a crucial part of the region's water supply infrastructure.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1952, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 40 feet and a structural height of 50 feet, with a length of 500 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 720 acre-feet, providing water for the surrounding area's needs.
With a drainage area of 1,664 acres, Lake Michael Dam has a high hazard potential and is under the regulatory oversight of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam's condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in December 2020, with a hazard potential rating of high. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of water supply effectively.
As a water resource and climate enthusiast, Lake Michael Dam's role in supplying water to the local community and its regulatory oversight by the state make it an intriguing subject. The dam's design and capacity, along with its historical significance and current condition, showcase the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure for water resources in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
Back Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
100 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
1664 |
Nid Storage |
864 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
50 |