Sharon Lake Upper Dam, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, along the Little Sugar Creek-Tr river, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, designated as an Earth type, stands at a hydraulic height of 19.9 feet and a structural height of 20.3 feet, with a length of 320 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 24 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 29 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 4.7 acres and serves a drainage area of 61 square miles.
Despite its purpose for recreation, Sharon Lake Upper Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment as of December 2020 was rated as fair. The dam is state-regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with inspections occurring every two years to ensure compliance with safety standards. Emergency action plans have not been updated recently, raising questions about preparedness in the event of a crisis. Overall, the dam presents an interesting case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety of both the structure and the surrounding community.
Dam Length |
320 |
River Or Stream |
Little Sugar Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.9 |
Drainage Area |
61 |
Nid Storage |
29 |
Structural Height |
20.3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
20 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Sign Language
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McDowell Nature Preserve
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Ebenezer County Park
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