Sparrow Springs Lake Dam

Sparrow Springs Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Gaston County, North Carolina. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Sparrow Springs Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Sparrow Springs Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by James W. Isbill Heirs (private). It impounds the Ut To South Crowders Creek near Red River, Sc.

The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 256 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 8 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles.

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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/01/2024.

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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: No

Location

StateNorth Carolina
CountyGaston
Nearest CityRed River, Sc
River/StreamUt To South Crowders Creek
Coordinates35.18800, -81.29120

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height28 ft
Dam Length256 ft

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage60 acre-ft
Max Storage60 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerJames W. Isbill Heirs
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection02/01/2024
Emergency Action PlanNo

Identifiers

NID IDNC01681
Federal IDNC01681
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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