Gaston Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gaston, located in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, is a concrete hydroelectric dam designed by Stone & Webster and completed in 1963.


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Summary

With a height of 99 feet and a hydraulic height of 89 feet, Gaston serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond, recreation, and water supply. The dam has a storage capacity of 513,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 20,300 acres, drawing water from the Roanoke River.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Gaston boasts a spillway width of 548 feet and 11 radial Tainter gates for water release control. The dam has a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, emphasizing the importance of its operation and maintenance. Despite its critical role in water resource management and electricity generation, Gaston's condition assessment is currently listed as not available, highlighting the need for ongoing inspection and maintenance efforts to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding community and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

3600

Dam Height

99

River Or Stream

Roanoke

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

20300

Hydraulic Height

89

Drainage Area

8340

Nid Storage

513000

Structural Height

99

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 11

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

99
       
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.