Lake Kannapolis Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Kannapolis Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 | 830 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 267 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6,728 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,530 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2011 |
| NID ID | NC00324 |
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 Kannapolis
Local Government
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Kannapolis Dam?
Lake Kannapolis 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 Kannapolis Dam?
Lake Kannapolis Dam is owned by City of Kannapolis (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Kannapolis Dam built?
Lake Kannapolis Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Kannapolis Dam?
Lake Kannapolis 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 Kannapolis Dam last inspected?
Lake Kannapolis Dam was last inspected on July 7, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.