Lake Julian Dam
Lake Julian Dam is an earth dam located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, built in 1962. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Julian Dam
The primary purpose of Lake Julian Dam 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 Duke Energy Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Ut To French Broad River.
The dam stands 106 feet tall and stretches 1,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 470 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 8,819 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1962, 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 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 09/18/2024.
At 106 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Buncombe |
| River/Stream | Ut To French Broad River |
| Coordinates | 35.47650, -82.54700 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 106 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 8,819 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 8,819 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,454 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 470 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,543 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Duke Energy Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/18/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC05712 |
| Federal ID | NC05712 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |