Houston Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Houston Dam, also known as Highlands Reservoir Dam, is a federally-owned structure located in Macon, North Carolina.


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Summary

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
       
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.