Cowans Ford Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cowans Ford, also known as Lake Norman, is a striking hydroelectric facility located in Mecklenburg, North Carolina.


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Summary

Managed by a public utility, this concrete dam, completed in 1963, stands at an impressive height of 134 feet and has a storage capacity of 414,100 acre-feet. The dam's primary purposes include hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply for the surrounding area.

Nestled on the Catawba River, Cowans Ford boasts a surface area of 32,510 acres and a drainage area of 1,790 square miles. With a maximum discharge of 225,612 cubic feet per second, the dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 465 feet. Despite its high hazard potential, the facility is subject to regular inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure its safety and reliability.

With its multi-arch core design and 11 tainter gates for water release, Cowans Ford is a vital resource in the region, contributing to both water management and renewable energy production. As climate change continues to impact water resources, this impressive structure plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demands for clean energy and sustainable water supply in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

8738

Dam Height

134

River Or Stream

Catawba River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

32510

Hydraulic Height

105

Drainage Area

1790

Nid Storage

414100

Structural Height

130

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 11

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

134
       
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.