Roanoke Rapids
Roanoke Rapids is a gravity dam located in Northampton County, North Carolina, built in 1955. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Roanoke Rapids
The primary purpose of Roanoke Rapids 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 Virginia Electric And Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Roanoke near Roanoke Rapids.
The dam stands 72 feet tall and stretches 3,050 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4,600 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 80,690 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 8,400 square miles. Completed in 1955, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/02/2026.
At 72 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
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.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Northampton |
| Nearest City | Roanoke Rapids |
| River/Stream | Roanoke |
| Coordinates | 36.48170, -77.67330 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 72 ft |
| Dam Height | 72 ft |
| Dam Length | 3,050 ft |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 80,690 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 80,690 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 77,140 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4,600 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8,400 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 711,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Virginia Electric and Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 03/02/2026 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00827 |
| Federal ID | NC00827 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |