Lake Lee Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Lee Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 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 | 450 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 122 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32,911 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 25,009 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1925 (101 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00536 |
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 Monroe
Local Government
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Lee Dam?
Lake Lee 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 Lee Dam?
Lake Lee Dam is owned by City of Monroe (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Lee Dam built?
Lake Lee Dam was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 Lee Dam?
Lake Lee 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 Lee Dam last inspected?
Lake Lee Dam was last inspected on March 28, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.