Lithco Plant Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lithco Plant Pond Dam, also known as Storage Area Dam #2, is a privately owned structure located in Gaston, North Carolina.


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Summary

This earth dam sits on Abernathy Creek-Tr and is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program. With a hydraulic height of 65 feet and a structural height of 75 feet, this dam serves a critical purpose as a storage area, providing a normal storage capacity of 780 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 936 acre-feet.

The dam, with a length of 820 feet, covers a surface area of 17 acres and drains a watershed area of 815 acres. Its significant hazard potential is offset by a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2020. While no spillway information is provided, the dam is inspected every two years to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The emergency action plan status and risk assessment for this structure are currently unspecified.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find the Lithco Plant Pond Dam an intriguing subject of study due to its location, design, and purpose. The dam's role in managing water resources in the region, as well as its potential environmental impact and safety considerations, make it a valuable case study for those interested in the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and climate resilience. Further research into the dam's history, construction, and ongoing management could provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining critical water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

820

River Or Stream

Abernathy Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

65

Drainage Area

815

Nid Storage

936

Structural Height

75

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

75
       
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.