Rankin Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Rankin Lake Dam, located in Gastonia, North Carolina, is a crucial water supply infrastructure owned by the local government.


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Summary

Built in 1925, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 11 feet and has a length of 3105 feet, providing a storage capacity of 461 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water supply for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 384 acre-feet and a surface area of 80 acres.

With a significant hazard potential, Rankin Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2018. Despite its age, the dam remains operational and is regularly inspected by the state authorities. Situated on Long Creek-Os, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such vital infrastructure for water supply and climate resilience. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rankin Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the essential role dams play in ensuring water security and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

3105

River Or Stream

Long Creek-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

80

Drainage Area

192

Nid Storage

461

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

11
       
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.