Lookout Shoals
Lookout Shoals is a gravity dam located in Catawba County, North Carolina, built in 1915. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lookout Shoals
The primary purpose of Lookout Shoals 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 Catawba, Nc.
The dam stands 88 feet tall and stretches 2,731 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 835 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 26,390 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,450 square miles. Completed in 1915, 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 08/20/2024.
At 88 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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 | Catawba |
| Nearest City | Catawba, Nc |
| River/Stream | Catawba |
| Coordinates | 35.75703, -81.09153 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 88 ft |
| Dam Height | 88 ft |
| Dam Length | 2731.1 ft |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 26,390 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 26,390 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 26,390 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 835 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,450 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 366,079 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Duke Energy |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/20/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00394 |
| Federal ID | NC00394 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |