Located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the Blue Star Dam Lower is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1963 for recreational purposes along Mud Creek.
Wind
Humidity
With a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 70 acre-feet. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition is deemed satisfactory as of the last inspection in January 2015.
Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, the Blue Star Dam Lower is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. While the dam does not have associated structures or outlet gates, its maximum discharge capacity is 50 cubic feet per second, serving a drainage area of 659 square miles. The dam's location in Henderson County makes it a key recreational site for residents and visitors, offering a tranquil setting for outdoor activities.
As a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, the Blue Star Dam Lower plays a crucial role in flood control and water management in the region. With its historical significance and continued maintenance, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in safeguarding communities and ecosystems. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate science can appreciate the engineering marvel and environmental impact of the Blue Star Dam Lower in the context of the broader challenges and opportunities facing water management in North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
400 |
River Or Stream |
Mud Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
659 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
29 |