Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment

South Fork Catawba River· Gaston, North Carolina· Built 1905· 10 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 2.9% in NC)
Dam Length3,644 ft
Max Storage166 acre-ft
Normal Storage166 acre-ft
Surface Area69 acres
Year Completed1905 (121 years old)
NID IDNC06532

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 27, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment?

Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment?

Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment is owned by information not available (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment built?

Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment?

Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment?

Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment has a dam height of 10 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment last inspected?

Spencer Mountain-Canal Embankment was last inspected on April 27, 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.