Salem Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Salem Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 2012 and is 14 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 | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 9.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 298 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16,724 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 35,112 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2012 (14 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2012 |
| NID ID | NC00327 |
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 Winston-Salem
Local Government
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Salem Lake Dam?
Salem 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 Salem Lake Dam?
Salem Lake Dam is owned by City of Winston-Salem (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Salem Lake Dam built?
Salem Lake Dam was completed in 2012, making it 14 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 Salem Lake Dam?
Salem Lake 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 Salem Lake Dam last inspected?
Salem Lake Dam was last inspected on February 25, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.