Arrowood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Arrowood Lake Dam, located in Gastonia, North Carolina, serves as a crucial water supply source for the area, with a storage capacity of 440 acre-feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 44 feet, with a hydraulic height of 40 feet, and a length of 528 feet. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and efficacy.

With a drainage area of 570 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 297 cubic feet per second, Arrowood Lake Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition, as of the last inspection in December 2020. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in June 2016, with no recent updates on its compliance with guidelines or the preparation of inundation maps.

Arrowood Lake Dam's significance lies in its role as a key infrastructure for water supply, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. Enthusiasts interested in the intricate details of dam engineering, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness will find Arrowood Lake Dam to be a fascinating case study in water infrastructure management in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

528

River Or Stream

Long Creek-Trib.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

570

Nid Storage

440

Structural Height

44

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

44
       
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.