Hillsdale Lake Dam

UT to Lake Brandt· Guilford, North Carolina· Built 1960· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hillsdale Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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 Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Normal Storage160 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area320 sq mi
Max Discharge70 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDNC00612

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: March 8, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Hillco, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hillsdale Lake Dam?

Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale Lake Dam?

Hillsdale Lake Dam is owned by Hillco, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hillsdale Lake Dam built?

Hillsdale Lake Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Hillsdale Lake Dam?

Hillsdale Lake 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 Hillsdale Lake Dam last inspected?

Hillsdale Lake Dam was last inspected on March 8, 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.