Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam

Paddle Branch· Union, North Carolina· Built 1968· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 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 Length396 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage42 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area237 sq mi
Max Discharge158 cfs
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDNC00529

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: No
Last Inspection: March 21, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Tournament Drive Investors LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam?

Emerald Lake Golf Course 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 Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam?

Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam is owned by Tournament Drive Investors LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam built?

Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam?

Emerald Lake Golf Course 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 Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam last inspected?

Emerald Lake Golf Course Dam was last inspected on March 21, 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.