Blue Brothers Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Blue Brothers Lake Dam, located in Lobelia, North Carolina, is a private dam primarily used for irrigation purposes on the Horse Branch river.


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Summary

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
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.