Gaston - North Saddle
Key Takeaway
Gaston - North Saddle is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 | 14 ft (taller than 13.6% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 513.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 450.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20,300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8,340 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | NC06530 |
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
Virginia Electric and Power Company
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Gaston
Northampton, NC
High Hazard 99 ftCagle Lake Dam
Halifax, NC
Low HazardDickens Lake Dam
Halifax, NC
Low HazardRainey Dam
Greensville, VA
Unknown 20 ftWray Dam
Northampton, NC
Low HazardRobinsons Pond Dam
Halifax, NC
Low HazardStevenson Lake Dam
Halifax, NC
Significant HazardRoanoke Rapids
Northampton, NC
High Hazard 72 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Gaston - North Saddle?
Gaston - North Saddle 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 Gaston - North Saddle?
Gaston - North Saddle is owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Gaston - North Saddle built?
Gaston - North Saddle was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Gaston - North Saddle?
Gaston - North Saddle serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Gaston - North Saddle?
Gaston - North Saddle has a dam height of 14 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 Gaston - North Saddle last inspected?
Gaston - North Saddle was last inspected on June 6, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.