Butler Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lovelace Dam Stallings Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Butler Lake Dam, located in Burlington, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation and water supply purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1954, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 18 feet with a hydraulic height of 17 feet. With a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 297 cubic feet per second, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Situated on Grays Branch, Butler Lake Dam covers a surface area of 6 acres and serves a drainage area of 38 square miles. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated and was last inspected in February 2016. While it is not under state jurisdiction or regulation, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity for both recreational and water supply purposes.
With its scenic location and vital role in water management, Butler Lake Dam stands as a significant infrastructure in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the functionality and condition of dams like Butler Lake is essential for ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and the preservation of these valuable structures for future generations.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
400 |
River Or Stream |
Grays Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
38 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Butler Lake Dam