Blanchard Lake Dam #3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Blanchard Lake Dam #3, located in Harnett, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality Dam Safety Program.
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Summary
Built in 1953 for recreational and water supply purposes, this earth-type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 18 feet, with a length of 300 feet. With a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, the dam's maximum discharge rate is 67 cubic feet per second. Despite its critical role in water management, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment.
The dam's location on Barbeque Swamp, a tributary of the Cape Fear River, underscores its importance in the local ecosystem and water supply network. Notably, Blanchard Lake Dam #3 lacks essential safety features such as spillways and outlet gates, raising concerns about its ability to manage floodwaters effectively. The dam's last inspection in September 2020 revealed its deteriorating state, highlighting the urgent need for maintenance and risk management measures to prevent potential failures and protect downstream communities from flooding.
In light of Blanchard Lake Dam #3's high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, stakeholders must prioritize remedial actions to ensure the structure's safety and functionality. Collaboration between the private owner, regulatory agencies, and local communities is essential to develop emergency action plans, conduct risk assessments, and implement necessary upgrades. By addressing the dam's deficiencies and enhancing its resilience to climate impacts, water resource enthusiasts can safeguard the surrounding environment and secure reliable water supplies for future generations.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
Barbeque Swamp |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
175cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Blanchard Lake Dam #3