Bass Lake Dam, located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, was completed in 1936 by the National Park Service for the primary purpose of creating a fish and wildlife pond.
Wind
Humidity
This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet. Although the dam is not regulated by the state, it is inspected by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure its safety and integrity.
The dam has a high hazard potential, indicating the potential consequences of a failure could be severe. Despite the lack of recent condition assessments, the National Park Service, which owns and operates the dam, has an Emergency Action Plan in place to respond to any potential emergencies. The last inspection of Bass Lake Dam was conducted in 2005, and the dam is designed to withstand maximum discharges with a spillway width of 0 feet.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bass Lake Dam offers a fascinating study in the intersection of human engineering and environmental conservation. The dam serves as a vital habitat for fish and wildlife, while also posing potential risks that must be carefully managed. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the role of dams like Bass Lake in mitigating environmental threats becomes increasingly important.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Height |
40 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
380 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
40 |
Watauga River Near Sugar Grove
|
62cfs |
Yadkin River At Patterson
|
24cfs |
Elk Creek At Elkville
|
42cfs |
Johns River At Arneys Store
|
173cfs |
South Fork New River Near Jefferson
|
218cfs |
Linville River Near Nebo
|
75cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Old Johns River Road
|
||
Price Park Campground
|
||
Honey Bear Campground
|
||
Julian Price - Blue Ridge Parkway
|
||
Goshen Creek
|
||
Julian Price
|