Hart Lake Dam Lower
Hart Lake Dam Lower is an earth dam located in Catawba County, North Carolina, built in 1970. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Hart Lake Dam Lower
Hart Lake Dam Lower is a dam in Catawba, North Carolina. The dam is owned by Hart Square Foundation, Inc. (private). It impounds the Sampson Creek near Lincolnton.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 77 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1970, 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/08/2025.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Catawba |
| Nearest City | Lincolnton |
| River/Stream | Sampson Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.58390, -81.35170 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 77 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 77 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 59 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 165 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Hart Square Foundation, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 01/08/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00365 |
| Federal ID | NC00365 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |