High Rock
High Rock is a gravity dam located in Rowan County, North Carolina, built in 1927. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About High Rock
The primary purpose of High Rock 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 Cube Yadkin Generation Llc (private). It impounds the Yadkin River near Badin.
The dam stands 96 feet tall and stretches 936 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15,180 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 287,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,980 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 08/19/2025.
At 96 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 | Rowan |
| Nearest City | Badin |
| River/Stream | Yadkin River |
| Coordinates | 35.60070, -80.23490 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 96 ft |
| Dam Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Length | 936 ft |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 287,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 287,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 248,800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15,180 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,980 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 478,800 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Cube Yadkin Generation LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/19/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC06521 |
| Federal ID | NC06521 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |