Brooks Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brooks Lake Dam in Guilford, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1928, this earth-type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 14.9 feet and a structural height of 24.6 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 288 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 346 acre-feet. The dam is located on the Benaja Creek-Tr river and covers a surface area of 32 acres, with a drainage area of 1030 acres.

Despite its age, Brooks Lake Dam has been deemed to have a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in January 2021. The dam undergoes inspections every 2 years to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations enforced by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program. While the dam does not have spillways or outlet gates, it serves as a vital recreational spot for the local community in Benaja, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities. Overall, Brooks Lake Dam remains a significant landmark for both water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

350

River Or Stream

Benaja Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

14.9

Drainage Area

1030

Nid Storage

346

Structural Height

24.6

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.