Gaston - South Saddle Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gaston - South Saddle is a rockfill dam located in Halifax, North Carolina, along the Roanoke River.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this hydroelectric structure serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond management, recreation, and water supply. With a dam height of 7 feet and a storage capacity of 513,000 acre-feet, this facility covers a surface area of 20,300 acres and has a drainage area of 8,340 acres.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Gaston - South Saddle has a high hazard potential due to its location and structural characteristics. Despite being inspected regularly by the commission, the condition assessment of the dam is not currently available. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place, with the last revision taking place in December 2020.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and impact of hydroelectric structures like Gaston - South Saddle will find this dam's design and purpose fascinating. With its strategic location along the Roanoke River and high hazard potential, this facility plays a crucial role in water supply, recreation, and wildlife conservation in the Halifax region of North Carolina.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

Roanoke

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

20300

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

8340

Nid Storage

513000

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

7
       
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.