Comm Scope Dam
Comm Scope Dam is an earth dam located in Catawba County, North Carolina, built in 1967. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Comm Scope Dam
Comm Scope Dam is a dam in Catawba, North Carolina. The dam is owned by Commscope, Inc. (private). It impounds the Catawba River near Sherrills Ford.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 672 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1967, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 01/23/2025.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Catawba |
| Nearest City | Sherrills Ford |
| River/Stream | Catawba River |
| Coordinates | 35.64900, -81.03140 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 672 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 672 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 560 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | CommScope, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 01/23/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00362 |
| Federal ID | NC00362 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |