Briar Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Briar Lake Dam, located in Horse Shoe, North Carolina, stands as a vital structure in managing water resources and climate impacts in the region.


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Summary

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.

Dam Length

142

River Or Stream

Shaw Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

86

Nid Storage

12

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

16
       
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.