Harris Lake Dam #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harris Lake Dam #2 Jackson Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Harris Lake Dam #3 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Stanhope, North Carolina, along the Tar River-Tr.
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Summary
Built in 1952, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, with a length of 700 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of irrigation, providing water for agricultural use in the surrounding area.
Although not state-regulated, Harris Lake Dam #3 is inspected by the state of North Carolina to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam has not been modified since its completion. The last inspection took place in April 2003, with an inspection frequency of 0, indicating a need for more regular monitoring to ensure continued safety and functionality.
With its crucial role in providing water for irrigation, Harris Lake Dam #3 is an important part of the water resource infrastructure in Franklin County. As climate change impacts water availability and usage patterns, monitoring and maintaining dams like Harris Lake Dam #3 will be essential to ensure sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
700 |
River Or Stream |
Tar River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Harris Lake Dam #3