Lake Don T. Howell Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Don T. Howell Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1993 and is 33 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 Length | 2,365 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 36.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 30,480 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1993 (33 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2000 |
| NID ID | NC04901 |
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
Cabarrus County
Local Government
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Don T. Howell Dam?
Lake Don T. Howell 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 Lake Don T. Howell Dam?
Lake Don T. Howell Dam is owned by Cabarrus County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Don T. Howell Dam built?
Lake Don T. Howell Dam was completed in 1993, making it 33 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 Lake Don T. Howell Dam?
Lake Don T. Howell Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Lake Don T. Howell Dam last inspected?
Lake Don T. Howell Dam was last inspected on January 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.