Lake Sheila Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Sheila Dam, located in Henderson, North Carolina, is a picturesque earth dam that was completed in 1964 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated along the Pacolet River-Tr, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 49 feet and a structural height of 55 feet, with a total length of 400 feet. The dam provides a scenic 40-acre surface area for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking, making it a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Managed and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Lake Sheila Dam has a high hazard potential but is deemed to be in satisfactory condition following its last inspection in April 2018. The dam has a storage capacity of 1,024 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 784 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment measures are not explicitly stated, raising questions about its readiness for potential emergencies.

With its tranquil setting and recreational opportunities, Lake Sheila Dam offers a unique blend of natural beauty and human-made infrastructure for visitors to enjoy. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and safety of dams like Lake Sheila Dam are crucial for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Pacolet River-Tr

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

49

Nid Storage

1024

Structural Height

55

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

55
       
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.