Shorts Lake Dam, also known as Crowders Mtn State Park Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Gaston, North Carolina. Built in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at a structural height of 31.4 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene lake area for visitors to enjoy. Situated on the South Crowders Creek Tributary, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a drainage area of 563 square miles.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of December 2020, Shorts Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type, with a hydraulic height of 19 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 660 cubic feet per second. With its picturesque setting and moderate risk assessment level, the dam remains a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the natural beauty of Red River Sc and its surroundings.