Bass Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.