Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam

Lumber River· Robeson, North Carolina· Built 1955· Earth·
High Hazard Other Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 Length8,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage994 acre-ft
Normal Storage828 acre-ft
Surface Area51 acres
Max Discharge149 cfs
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDNC01078

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: June 7, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Duke Energy Corporation

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam?

Weatherspoon Cooling 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 Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam?

Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam is owned by Duke Energy Corporation (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam built?

Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam?

Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam last inspected?

Weatherspoon Cooling Lake Dam was last inspected on June 7, 2023. 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.