Catawba
Key Takeaway
Catawba is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1919 and is 107 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 Height | 150 ft (taller than 87.4% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 3,155 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 288.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 288.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6,510 acres |
| Drainage Area | 380 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 146,733 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1919 (107 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00374 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Duke Energy
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Paddys Creek Dam
Burke, NC
High HazardPaddy Creek Chute Spillway
Burke, NC
High Hazard 1 ftMuddy Creek Dam #8
McDowell, NC
High HazardLinville
Burke, NC
High Hazard 160 ftRobert Mckinney Dam
McDowell, NC
Significant HazardMarion Manufacturing Dam
McDowell, NC
High HazardHenredon Lake Dam
Burke, NC
Low HazardLeibhart Lake Dam
Burke, NC
Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Catawba?
Catawba 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 Catawba?
Catawba is owned by Duke Energy (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Catawba built?
Catawba was completed in 1919, making it 107 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 Catawba?
Catawba serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Catawba?
Catawba has a dam height of 150 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Catawba last inspected?
Catawba was last inspected on May 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.