Blue Brothers Lake Dam, located in Lobelia, North Carolina, is a private dam primarily used for irrigation purposes on the Horse Branch river.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 23 feet, with a length of 540 feet. The dam has a significant hazard potential and its condition has been assessed as poor, highlighting the need for regular inspections and potential risk management measures.
Despite its poor condition, Blue Brothers Lake Dam continues to serve as a vital source of water for irrigation and recreation, with a storage capacity of 101 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has a spillway width that is not specified. The dam is under state regulation by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets the necessary safety standards and undergoes regular inspections to prevent potential hazards and risks to the surrounding community.
With its moderate risk assessment rating and the presence of significant hazard potential, Blue Brothers Lake Dam stands as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for the continued upkeep and safety of such structures to ensure the protection of both the environment and local communities that depend on them.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
540 |
River Or Stream |
Horse Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
101 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
104cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |