Lake Mackintosh Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Mackintosh Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1992 and is 34 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 | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 30.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 23.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,125 acres |
| Drainage Area | 86,400 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 122,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
| NID ID | NC04954 |
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 Burlington
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Campbell Dam
Alamance, NC
Low HazardSomerton Lake Dam
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High HazardMcewen Estate Dam
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High HazardBlanchard Dam
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Low HazardGardner Dam
Alamance, NC
Low HazardCapps Dam
Alamance, NC
Low HazardMays Lake Dam
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Low HazardTate Dam
Alamance, NC
High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Mackintosh Dam?
Lake Mackintosh 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 Mackintosh Dam?
Lake Mackintosh Dam is owned by City of Burlington (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Mackintosh Dam built?
Lake Mackintosh Dam was completed in 1992, making it 34 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 Mackintosh Dam?
Lake Mackintosh 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 Mackintosh Dam last inspected?
Lake Mackintosh Dam was last inspected on March 2, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.