Bookout Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Crawford Dam Hughes Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Bookout Lake Dam, located in Cleveland, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1958 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a structural height of 26 feet and a hydraulic height of 23 feet, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a normal storage of 45 acre-feet. It spans 186 feet in length and covers a surface area of 5 acres, providing a scenic location for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program to ensure its fair condition and compliance with state regulations. The last inspection was conducted in November 2020, with a frequency of every 5 years. The dam is situated along Clarks Creek-Tr, near Battleground School Sc, and is under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency for dam safety enforcement. Overall, Bookout Lake Dam remains a vital water resource for the area, offering both recreational opportunities and essential water storage for the community.
As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bookout Lake Dam serves as a prime example of responsible dam management and maintenance. While the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, its significance extends to providing water storage and flood control benefits for the surrounding area. With its historical completion in the late 1950s, the dam continues to play a crucial role in the local ecosystem and serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
186 |
River Or Stream |
Clarks Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Long Creek Near Bessemer City
|
12cfs |
Broad River Below Cherokee Falls
|
930cfs |
Broad River Near Gaffney
|
1890cfs |
Broad River Near Blacksburg
|
638cfs |
South Fork Catawba River At Lowell
|
356cfs |
Indian Creek Near Laboratory
|
28cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Kings Mountain State Park
|
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Hounds Gateway Campground
|
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Garner Creek
|
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Garner Creek Backcountry Campsite
|
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John H. Moss Lake City Campground
|
Bookout Lake Dam