Rankin Lake Dam
Rankin Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Gaston County, North Carolina, built in 1925. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Rankin Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Rankin Lake Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Gastonia (local government). It impounds the Long Creek near Gastonia.
The dam stands 11 feet tall and stretches 3,105 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 80 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 461 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1925, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 12/15/2021.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Gaston |
| Nearest City | Gastonia |
| River/Stream | Long Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.29460, -81.19280 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Length | 3,105 ft |
| Year Completed | 1925 (101 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 461 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 461 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 384 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 80 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Gastonia |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 12/15/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC01208 |
| Federal ID | NC01208 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |