Brown Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Brown Lake Dam, located in Bagley, Johnston County, North Carolina, serves primarily for irrigation purposes and also offers recreational opportunities.
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Summary
Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 15 feet and has a hydraulic height of 12 feet, with a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Buffalo Creek, covers a surface area of 5 acres and has a maximum discharge capacity of 165 cubic feet per second.
Despite its crucial role in water resource management, Brown Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement measures to guarantee public safety. With a history of modifications and a recent inspection in February 2021, efforts to improve the dam's condition and emergency preparedness are essential to mitigate risks associated with its aging infrastructure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts should take note of Brown Lake Dam for its dual significance in irrigation and recreation, as well as the ongoing challenges in maintaining its structural integrity and safety standards. As a vital component of the local water management system on Buffalo Creek, the dam's condition assessment, hazard potential, and regulatory oversight highlight the importance of proactive maintenance and risk management strategies to safeguard downstream communities and the environment.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
450 |
River Or Stream |
Buffalo Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
95 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Brown Lake Dam