Poston Park Dam

Houser Branch· Gaston, North Carolina· Built 2010· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Poston Park Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 2010 and is 16 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 Length633 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage325 acre-ft
Normal Storage142 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area895 sq mi
Max Discharge4,091 cfs
Year Completed2010 (16 years old)
NID IDNC06046

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: January 13, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Gaston County Public Works

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Poston Park Dam?

Poston Park 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 Poston Park Dam?

Poston Park Dam is owned by Gaston County Public Works (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Poston Park Dam built?

Poston Park Dam was completed in 2010, making it 16 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 Poston Park Dam?

Poston Park 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 Poston Park Dam last inspected?

Poston Park Dam was last inspected on January 13, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.