Saxapahaw Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Saxapahaw is a privately owned hydroelectric dam located in Alamance County, North Carolina, along the Haw River.


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Summary

Built in 1938, this concrete dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a hydraulic height of 28 feet. With a storage capacity of 315 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 10,800 cubic feet per second, Saxapahaw plays a crucial role in water resource management and power generation in the region.

Operated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Saxapahaw's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation. The dam has a significant hazard potential and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and structural integrity. Despite its age, Saxapahaw continues to be a key player in the local water infrastructure, providing essential services while also posing some level of risk that needs to be managed effectively.

With a spillway width of 700 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Saxapahaw is equipped to handle excess water flow during periods of high rainfall or flooding. The dam's moderate risk level and its location in the Wilmington District underscore the importance of maintaining and monitoring this vital piece of water infrastructure to safeguard both the environment and surrounding communities. Saxapahaw stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and sustainable energy production in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

1065

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

Haw

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

106

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

1020

Nid Storage

315

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

28
       
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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.