Heron's Nest Dam dam
Heron's Nest Dam
Located in Oak Ridge, North Carolina, Heron's Nest Dam, also known as Blaylock Lake Dam, was completed in 1955 for the primary purpose of recreation. This private dam on the Haw River-Tr boasts a structural height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 15 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 96 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, Heron's Nest Dam covers a surface area of 12 acres. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, this earth dam continues to attract water resource and climate enthusiasts to its scenic surroundings.
Managed and regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Heron's Nest Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures. The dam's association with the Huntington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers ensures a commitment to maintaining its safety and integrity. With a maximum discharge capacity of 165 cubic feet per second, Heron's Nest Dam remains a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure in Guilford County, North Carolina.
Water enthusiasts and climate advocates can appreciate the recreational opportunities offered by Heron's Nest Dam while also recognizing the importance of its role in water management and safety. As a privately owned structure with state enforcement and regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a valuable asset in maintaining the balance between water recreation and environmental protection. With its rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, Heron's Nest Dam continues to be a focal point for those interested in both water resources and climate resilience in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Heron's Nest Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Reedy Fork Near Oak Ridge | 2 cfs | → |
| Horsepen Creek At Us 220 Nr Greensboro | 1 cfs | → |
| East Fork Deep River Near High Point | 2 cfs | → |
| Dan R At Pine Hall | 145 cfs | → |
| South Buffalo Creek Nr Pomona | 1 cfs | → |
| N Buffalo Cr At Westover Terrace At Greensboro | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Heron's Nest Dam.
Boat launches
- Belews Lake Drive 8191, Belews Creek
- Pine Hall Road 2547-2793, Walnut Cove
- Us Bus 220 Boat Access Stoneville
- Lake Thom-A-Lex Park
- Bethlehem Church Road 587, Eden
- Homeview Road Burlington
Campgrounds
- Oak Hollow City Campground
- Sunset Park Campground
- Lake Reidsville Rec Park
- Hanging Rock State Park
- Hagan-Stone Park
- Ymca Camp Hanes
Fishing spots
Track Heron's Nest Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Heron's Nest Dam
Where does the data for Heron's Nest Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Heron's Nest Dam.