Arrowood Lake Dam

Long Creek· Gaston, North Carolina· Built 1955· Earth·
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Arrowood Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 Length528 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage440 acre-ft
Normal Storage259 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area570 sq mi
Max Discharge297 cfs
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
Year Modified2005
NID IDNC01205

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: February 16, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Town of Bessemer City

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Arrowood Lake Dam?

Arrowood Lake 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 Arrowood Lake Dam?

Arrowood Lake Dam is owned by Town of Bessemer City (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Arrowood Lake Dam built?

Arrowood Lake Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Arrowood Lake Dam?

Arrowood Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Arrowood Lake Dam last inspected?

Arrowood Lake Dam was last inspected on February 16, 2023. 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.