Catawba Springs Golf Dam Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Situated in Catawba, North Carolina, the Catawba Springs Golf Dam Lower is a private dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 29.2 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the water levels for Lake Hickory-Tr. The dam has a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres, making it a vital resource for water management in the region.

Despite its importance, the Catawba Springs Golf Dam Lower poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition. This underscores the need for regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in December 2020. The dam is regulated and inspected by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring that necessary enforcement and maintenance measures are implemented to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community.

As a key component of the water infrastructure in the area, the Catawba Springs Golf Dam Lower serves not only for irrigation but also for recreational purposes. It is essential for water enthusiasts and climate advocates to be aware of the dam's condition and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and sustainability of the water resources it manages.

Dam Length

145

River Or Stream

Lake Hickory-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

35

Structural Height

29.2

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

29
       
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.