High Rock

Yadkin River· Rowan, North Carolina· Built 1927· Gravity· 65 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

High Rock is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 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 65 ft (taller than 70.9% in NC)
Dam Length936 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage287.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage248.8K acre-ft
Surface Area15,180 acres
Drainage Area3,980 sq mi
Max Discharge478,800 cfs
Year Completed1927 (99 years old)
NID IDNC06521

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: August 24, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Cube Yadkin Generation LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of High Rock?

High Rock 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 High Rock?

High Rock is owned by Cube Yadkin Generation LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was High Rock built?

High Rock was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 High Rock?

High Rock serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is High Rock?

High Rock has a dam height of 65 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 High Rock last inspected?

High Rock was last inspected on August 24, 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.