Lake Don T. Howell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Don T.


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Summary

Howell Dam, also known as Coddle Creek Dam, is a vital water supply structure located in Cabarrus, North Carolina. Built in 1993, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 55 feet and has a hydraulic height of 44 feet. With a capacity to store 36,400 acre-feet of water, the dam serves the primary purpose of providing water for the surrounding area.

Managed by the local government, this dam on Coddle Creek is closely regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in January 2020. With a surface area of 1300 acres and a drainage area of 30,080 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and ensuring water supply reliability for the city of Concord.

Lake Don T. Howell Dam's strategic location and significant storage capacity make it a key infrastructure for water resource management in North Carolina. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the importance of well-maintained dams like this one cannot be overstated. With ongoing inspections and enforcement measures in place, the dam remains a critical asset for safeguarding water security in the region for years to come.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

2365

River Or Stream

Coddle Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1300

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

30080

Nid Storage

36400

Structural Height

55

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

55
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.