Lake Swannanoa Dam dam
Lake Swannanoa Dam
Lake Swannanoa Dam, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a state-regulated structure on Ellerbe Creek with a high hazard potential. Managed by the NC Dam Safety Program, this dam is inspected regularly to ensure its fair condition and the safety of surrounding communities. The last inspection in February 2021 revealed no immediate concerns, but its emergency action plan and risk assessment are currently under review.
While specific details about the dam's height, volume, and completion year are not provided, the data highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance for critical infrastructure like Lake Swannanoa Dam. With a high hazard potential, it is crucial for authorities to stay vigilant in assessing any potential risks and implementing necessary risk management measures. As a key water resource in the area, the dam plays a vital role in water storage and flood control, underscoring the need for continued attention and investment in its upkeep.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of structures like Lake Swannanoa Dam sheds light on the complex interplay between human intervention and natural systems. With its association with Ellerbe Creek and its role in regulating water flow, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to manage water resources effectively. By staying informed and engaged with initiatives like the NC Dam Safety Program, enthusiasts can contribute to the sustainable stewardship of these vital resources for future generations.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Swannanoa Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Eno River Near Durham | 13 cfs | → |
| Ellerbe Creek Near Gorman | 12 cfs | → |
| Little R Bl Little R Trib At Fairntosh | 49 cfs | → |
| Little River At Sr1461 Near Orange Factory | 2 cfs | → |
| Eno River At Hillsborough | 6 cfs | → |
| Mountain Creek At Sr1617 Nr Bahama | 0 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Swannanoa Dam.
Boat launches
- Rodolphe Street 6122, Durham
- Dimmocks Mill Road 920, Town Of Hillsborough
- Hickory Hill Boat Ramp
- Baptist Route 4398, Durham County
- Ledge Rock Boat Ramp, Creedmoor
- Durham County
Campgrounds
- Redwood Campsite
- Rolling View - Falls Lake
- Holly Point - Falls Lake
- Two Oaks Campground
- Blue Heron Campground
- Osprey Nest Campground
Fishing spots
Track Lake Swannanoa Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Swannanoa Dam
Where does the data for Lake Swannanoa Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Swannanoa Dam.