Blackley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Blackley Lake Dam, located in Milburnie, Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1951 for recreational purposes along Harris Creek.


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Summary

The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, with a total length of 385 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 48 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 98 acre-feet, Blackley Lake Dam provides a scenic and serene location for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various outdoor activities.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Blackley Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections with the last one conducted in February 2018. The dam does not fall under state regulation and is not subject to state permitting or enforcement requirements. With its picturesque setting and recreational focus, the dam offers a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape and water resources. As a part of the Wilmington District, Blackley Lake Dam stands as a testament to the balance between human recreation and responsible environmental stewardship in the realm of water resource management.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

385

River Or Stream

Harris Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

98

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.