Barbee Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Barbee Lake Dam, located in Spring Hope, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a hydraulic height of 29 feet, providing a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. The dam also offers recreational opportunities with a surface area of 8 acres and a maximum discharge rate of 66 cubic feet per second.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2020 indicated poor structural health, raising concerns about its long-term stability. The North Carolina Dam Safety Program regulates and inspects the dam regularly, with the last inspection conducted in July 2020. With a history of modifications and a designated emergency action plan, efforts are in place to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding area in case of a dam failure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Barbee Lake Dam serves as a fascinating case study on the intersection of human engineering and environmental conservation in managing water resources.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
Turkey Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Barbee Lake Dam