Baucom Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Baucom Lake Dam, located in Union, North Carolina, is a private-owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1954, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 15 feet. With a length of 1050 feet and a drainage area of 691 acres, Baucom Lake Dam has a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, providing a serene 8-acre surface area for recreational activities.

Despite being rated as a low hazard potential structure, Baucom Lake Dam has not been inspected since March 2011, raising concerns about its current condition and safety measures. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps preparation remain unclear, further highlighting the need for updated inspections and risk management measures. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, ensuring the safety and maintenance of structures like Baucom Lake Dam is crucial for sustainable water management and environmental preservation.

In light of the data presented, advocates for water resource and climate conservation should prioritize the regular inspection and maintenance of Baucom Lake Dam to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems. Collaborative efforts between private owners, state agencies, and regulatory bodies are essential in implementing effective risk management measures and emergency action plans to address any potential threats posed by aging infrastructure. By promoting transparency, accountability, and proactive measures, we can safeguard our water resources and uphold environmental sustainability for future generations.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

1050

River Or Stream

Chinkapin Creek-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

691

Nid Storage

58

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.