Lake Monroe Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Monroe Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 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 | 770 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 118 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6,134 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00535 |
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 Monroe Dam?
Lake Monroe 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 Monroe Dam?
Lake Monroe 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 Monroe Dam built?
Lake Monroe Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Monroe Dam?
Lake Monroe 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 Monroe Dam last inspected?
Lake Monroe Dam was last inspected on March 28, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.