Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant Main Dam
Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant Main Dam is an earth dam located in Chatham County, North Carolina, built in 1983. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant Main Dam
The primary purpose of Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant Main 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 Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant (public utility). It impounds the Buckhorn Creek.
The dam stands 108 feet tall and stretches 1,550 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5,568 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 153,150 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 45,440 square miles. Completed in 1983, the structure is 43 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.
At 108 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Chatham |
| River/Stream | Buckhorn Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.56740, -78.96470 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 108 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,550 ft |
| Year Completed | 1983 (43 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 153,150 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 153,150 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 72,150 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,568 acres |
| Drainage Area | 45,440 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 14,190 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Duke Energy Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC06119 |
| Federal ID | NC06119 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |