Ledbetter Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Ledbetter Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 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 | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 8.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 313 acres |
| Drainage Area | 53,776 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00653 |
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
Friends of Ledbetter Lake, Inc
Private
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Significant HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ledbetter Lake Dam?
Ledbetter Lake 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 Ledbetter Lake Dam?
Ledbetter Lake Dam is owned by Friends of Ledbetter Lake, Inc (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ledbetter Lake Dam built?
Ledbetter Lake Dam was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Ledbetter Lake Dam?
Ledbetter Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Ledbetter Lake Dam last inspected?
Ledbetter Lake Dam was last inspected on January 17, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.