Peterson Lake Dam Upper, located in Rockingham, North Carolina, stands as a vital structure for irrigation purposes along the Haw River-Tr.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1979 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam with a stone core and soil foundations boasts a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 26.4 feet, providing a storage capacity of 37 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment was marked as poor during its last inspection in February 2016.
With a surface area of 3.5 acres and a drainage area of 52 square miles, Peterson Lake Dam Upper holds a maximum discharge capacity of 370 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, and outlet gates also reflect its basic design features. Although the risk assessment rating is moderate (3), the dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management procedures remain undisclosed. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the maintenance and regulatory oversight of critical structures like Peterson Lake Dam Upper is essential to ensuring their long-term functionality and safety for surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
240 |
River Or Stream |
Haw River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
52 |
Nid Storage |
37 |
Structural Height |
26.4 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |