B Everett Jordan Dam and Lake is a flood control project began in 1946 after a disastrous tropical storm struck the Cape Fear Valley the year before. The Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with the project and actual construction began in 1967, impoundment of the lake began in 1981 and normal pool was reached in February 1982.
The project serves multiple purposes. Water quality control and supply, recreation, fish and wildlife conservation, as well as flood damage control. The lake covers 31,800 acres at its fullest with an elevation of 240' above mean sea level. Water supply within Jordan Lake totals 45.800 acre-feet. This supply, available to local communities, offers a peak yield of approximately 100 million gallons/day and is the largest single source of water supply in the Cape Fear Basin.
Some quick facts about Jordan Lake:
Length of shoreline-180 miles.
Total construction cost-$146,300,000.
Counties within project-Chatham, Wake, Durham, and Orange.
Dam length-1330'
Dam height-113'
The State of North Carolina and the Army Corps of Engineers have partnered to provide recreational opportunities such as, hunting and fishing, swimming, boating, bird watching, hiking. and many others at Jordan Lake. Educational exhibits, trails, and programs at the Corps of Engineers Visitor Assistance Center, the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area visitor Center, and the Jordan Lake Educational State Forest are available.
