Catawba
Catawba is an earth dam located in Burke County, North Carolina, built in 1919. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Catawba
The primary purpose of Catawba 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 River near Glen Alpine, Nc.
The dam stands 150 feet tall and stretches 3,155 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 6,510 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 288,800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 380 square miles. Completed in 1919, 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 05/17/2022.
At 150 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Burke |
| Nearest City | Glen Alpine, Nc |
| River/Stream | Catawba River |
| Coordinates | 35.73503, -81.88884 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 150 ft |
| Dam Height | 150 ft |
| Dam Length | 3,155 ft |
| Year Completed | 1919 (107 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 288,800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 288,800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 288,800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6,510 acres |
| Drainage Area | 380 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 146,733 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Duke Energy |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/17/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00374 |
| Federal ID | NC00374 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |