Bunn Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bunn Lake Dam, located in Zebulon, North Carolina, is a private earth dam constructed in 1930 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 19 feet and has a hydraulic height of 16 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 975 acre-feet and a surface area of 120 acres. The dam is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, with inspections conducted regularly to ensure its fair condition and high hazard potential.

Situated on Moccasin Creek, the Bunn Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 11,264 acres. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water supply. The dam's maintenance and emergency preparedness are closely monitored, with an inspection frequency of 2 years and a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan in place to mitigate risks and ensure public safety in case of emergencies.

As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the Bunn Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in sustainable infrastructure management and the intersection of recreational use with critical water management functions. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the complexities of balancing human activities with the preservation of natural resources in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

1000

River Or Stream

Moccasin Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

120

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

11264

Nid Storage

975

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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.