Lake Higgins Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Higgins Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 226 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7,129 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00698 |
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
City of Greensboro
Local Government
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Higgins Dam?
Lake Higgins 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 Higgins Dam?
Lake Higgins Dam is owned by City of Greensboro (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Higgins Dam built?
Lake Higgins Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Higgins Dam?
Lake Higgins Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Lake Higgins Dam last inspected?
Lake Higgins Dam was last inspected on January 27, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.