Saxapahaw
Saxapahaw is a concrete dam located in Alamance County, North Carolina, built in 1938. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Saxapahaw
The primary purpose of Saxapahaw 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 Gravity Renewables, Inc. (private). It impounds the Haw near Saxapahaw.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 1,065 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 106 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 315 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,020 square miles. Completed in 1938, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 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 11/16/2021.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Alamance |
| Nearest City | Saxapahaw |
| River/Stream | Haw |
| Coordinates | 35.94782, -79.32552 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,065 ft |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 315 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 315 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 315 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 106 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,020 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,800 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Gravity Renewables, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/16/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00747 |
| Federal ID | NC00747 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |