Arnold Palmer Dam

Briar Creek· Mecklenburg, North Carolina· Built 1987· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Arnold Palmer Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1987 and is 39 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length260 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage9 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area288 sq mi
Max Discharge761 cfs
Year Completed1987 (39 years old)
Year Modified1995
NID IDNC04881

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: January 19, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Latrobe Property Owners Assoc. II, Inc

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Arnold Palmer Dam?

Arnold Palmer Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Arnold Palmer Dam?

Arnold Palmer Dam is owned by Latrobe Property Owners Assoc. II, Inc (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Arnold Palmer Dam built?

Arnold Palmer Dam was completed in 1987, making it 39 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Arnold Palmer Dam?

Arnold Palmer Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Arnold Palmer Dam last inspected?

Arnold Palmer Dam was last inspected on January 19, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.