Bass Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bass Lake Dam, located in Spring Hope, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1960 primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 30 feet and has a hydraulic height of 27 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam spans 220 feet in length and covers an area of 11 acres, with a normal storage level of 56 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, with state-permitted inspections and enforcement ensuring its safety and compliance.
Despite its low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, Bass Lake Dam plays a crucial role in the management of water resources in the region. The dam controls the flow of Turkey Creek-Tr, providing irrigation water for agricultural activities in Nash County. The dam has not undergone any significant modifications since its completion, and its last inspection in 2001 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are currently not available, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this vital water resource infrastructure.
As a key component of the water management system in the area, Bass Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for the local community. With its regulated operation and consistent storage capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities and ensuring water availability for irrigation purposes. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring structures like Bass Lake Dam becomes increasingly significant to safeguard against potential risks and ensure sustainable water management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
220 |
River Or Stream |
Turkey Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Bass Lake Dam