Rhodhiss
Rhodhiss is a gravity dam located in Caldwell County, North Carolina, built in 1925. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Rhodhiss
The primary purpose of Rhodhiss is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Duke Energy (public utility). It impounds the Catawba near Rhodhiss, Nc.
The dam stands 72 feet tall and stretches 675 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,515 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 27,570 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,120 square miles. Completed in 1925, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/01/2025.
At 72 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The North Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Caldwell |
| Nearest City | Rhodhiss, Nc |
| River/Stream | Catawba |
| Coordinates | 35.77310, -81.43797 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 72 ft |
| Dam Height | 72 ft |
| Dam Length | 675 ft |
| Year Completed | 1925 (101 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 27,570 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 27,570 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 27,570 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,515 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,120 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 500,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Duke Energy |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/01/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00104 |
| Federal ID | NC00104 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |