Houston Dam, also known as Highlands Reservoir Dam, is a federally-owned structure located in Macon, North Carolina.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1926, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 10.5 feet and a structural height of 12.3 feet, with a length of 120 feet. Its primary purpose is to serve as a water supply source for the area, providing a normal storage capacity of 14 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 22 acre-feet.
The dam, situated on the Houston Branch river, is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Dam Safety Program. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, its condition assessment is rated as fair as of the last inspection in April 2015. The dam has not undergone any major modifications over the years and does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan in place.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Houston Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historical structure that continues to play a crucial role in water supply management. With its unique design features and regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to ensure public safety and water security in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1926 |
Dam Length |
120 |
River Or Stream |
Houston Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
10.5 |
Nid Storage |
22 |
Structural Height |
12.3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
12 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Van Hook Glade
|
||
Van Hook Glade Campground
|
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Blue Valley Camp
|
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Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
|
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Ralph Andrews County Park
|
||
Burrells Ford
|
Ga/Nc State Line To 2 Miles Downriver
1/4 Mile Below Walhalla Fish Hatchery To Boundary Of Chattooga Wsr
Burrels Ford to Lick Log Branch (Section 1)
Headwaters To Sloan'S Bridge Crossing, Crossing Of Sc 107
1/4 Mile Above The Walhalla Fish Hatchery To 1/4 Mile Below The Walhalla Fish Hatchery
Sloan'S Bridge Crossing To 1/4 Mile Above The Walhalla Fish Hatchery