Lake Don T. Howell Dam
Lake Don T. Howell Dam is an earth dam located in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, built in 1993. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Lake Don T. Howell Dam
The primary purpose of Lake Don T. Howell Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Cabarrus County Water And Sewer Authority (local government). It impounds the Coddle Creek.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 2,365 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,300 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 36,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 47 square miles. Completed in 1993, the structure is 33 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 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 01/17/2024.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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 | Cabarrus |
| River/Stream | Coddle Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.43990, -80.69670 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,365 ft |
| Year Completed | 1993 (33 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 36,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 36,400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 47 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Cabarrus County Water and Sewer Authority |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 01/17/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC04901 |
| Federal ID | NC04901 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |