Blackburn Lake Dam, located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, serves as a vital water resource for the area, with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1952, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 17 feet and has a length of 200 feet. With a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, it provides essential water supply for the surrounding community and offers a surface area of 8 acres for recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
Managed by a private owner, Blackburn Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program to ensure its safety and structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed in December 2020. With regular state inspections and enforcement measures in place, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts along the Eno River-Tr, benefiting both the environment and local residents.
As a key feature in the landscape of Orange County, Blackburn Lake Dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change. With its historic significance and ongoing maintenance efforts, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems, highlighting the need for responsible stewardship of our water resources in the midst of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
200 |
River Or Stream |
Eno River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
166 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
17 |
Eno River At Hillsborough
|
15cfs |
Cane Creek Near Orange Grove
|
1cfs |
Morgan Creek Near White Cross
|
1cfs |
Morgan Creek Near Chapel Hill
|
23cfs |
Eno River Near Durham
|
28cfs |
Haw River At Haw River
|
225cfs |