Sipe Lake Dam #2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lookout Shoals Earth Movers Dam Upper
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sipe Lake Dam #2, located in Catawba, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam with a structural height of 12 feet.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a small fish pond. It has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and is situated on the Catawba River-Tr. Despite being state regulated, the dam is not under state jurisdiction and is not subject to state permitting or enforcement.
The last inspection of Sipe Lake Dam #2 was conducted in October 2016, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated". The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, and its risk assessment and management measures are currently not specified. The dam is not associated with the US Army Corps of Engineers and has no federal funding or oversight. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam remains an essential resource for fire protection and wildlife habitat in the area.
Overall, Sipe Lake Dam #2 plays a vital role in providing fire protection and supporting local wildlife in Catawba, North Carolina. Its modest height and storage capacity make it a valuable asset for the community, although its condition assessment has not been updated since 2016. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it's important to monitor the inspection and maintenance of dams like Sipe Lake Dam #2 to ensure their continued safety and functionality for the surrounding environment.
River Or Stream |
Catawba River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sipe Lake Dam #2