Briar Lake Dam, located in Horse Shoe, North Carolina, stands as a vital structure in managing water resources and climate impacts in the region. The dam, primarily owned by a private entity, serves the purpose of recreation while also being regulated by the state authorities, including the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program. With a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, this earth dam overlooks the Shaw Creek-Tr river and provides a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2017, Briar Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, necessitating regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. The dam's critical role in water management and flood control is underscored by its maximum discharge capacity of 375 cubic feet per second and its ability to store up to 12 acre-feet of water. As it continues to be a focal point for recreational activities, the dam's significance in the local ecosystem and community resilience cannot be understated.

As climate change intensifies and water resources become increasingly strained, the Briar Lake Dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for both recreational enjoyment and environmental protection. With its history dating back to an unspecified completion year, the dam serves as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing natural resources while also highlighting the ongoing need for vigilant monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure sustainable water management practices for future generations.