John Bunch Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

John Bunch Lake Dam, located in Farmer, North Carolina, serves as a vital water supply source for the region.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1942, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 47 feet with a hydraulic height of 33 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 471 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its integrity.

The dam's primary purpose is water supply, and it impounds Cedar Fork Creek in Randolph County. With a drainage area of 1626 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Despite being rated as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed during the most recent inspection in January 2021.

As a key infrastructure for water management in the region, John Bunch Lake Dam provides not only water supply but also plays a role in flood control and ecosystem management. With its strategic location and capacity, the dam contributes to the resilience of the local water system and is an essential asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support for sustainable water management practices in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Cedar Fork Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

1626

Nid Storage

471

Structural Height

47

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

47
       
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.