Hickory Nut Upper Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hickory Nut Lower Dam Lake Lure Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hickory Nut Upper Dam, also known as Mirror Lake Upper, is a privately owned structure located in Lake Lure, North Carolina.
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Summary
This dam, situated on the Broad River, serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering visitors a tranquil and picturesque setting for outdoor activities. The dam is classified as an Earth type, with a hydraulic height of 48 feet and a structural height of 55.2 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 150 acre-feet.
Despite being privately owned, the Hickory Nut Upper Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in January 2019. With a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam is monitored to ensure its safety and stability for the surrounding community and the environment. While there have been no major modifications or incidents reported, the dam remains an important feature for both recreation and water resource management in the area.
Dam Length |
276 |
River Or Stream |
Broad River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
48 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Structural Height |
55.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
55 |
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.
Hickory Nut Upper Dam