Lake Thom-A-Lex Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Thom-A-Lex Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 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 | 635 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 11.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 650 acres |
| Drainage Area | 44,612 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 32,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00178 |
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 Lexington
Local Government
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Thom-A-Lex Dam?
Lake Thom-A-Lex 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 Thom-A-Lex Dam?
Lake Thom-A-Lex Dam is owned by City of Lexington (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Thom-A-Lex Dam built?
Lake Thom-A-Lex Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Thom-A-Lex Dam?
Lake Thom-A-Lex 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 Thom-A-Lex Dam last inspected?
Lake Thom-A-Lex Dam was last inspected on February 7, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.