Bass Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bass Lake Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, with a length of 675 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 760 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 910 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 58.6 acres and draining a watershed area of 5719.44 square miles.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Bass Lake Dam is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in November 2019. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Although there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 654 cubic feet per second. With its picturesque location on Basal Creek and close proximity to Holly Springs, Bass Lake Dam is a vital water resource and popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

675

River Or Stream

Basal Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

58.6

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

5719.44

Nid Storage

910

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.