Flippin Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Situated in the picturesque city of Danbury, North Carolina, Flippin Lake Dam is a private earth dam that serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam, with a hydraulic height of 28.5 feet and a structural height of 31.5 feet, impounds the Dan River-Tr and provides a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. With a surface area of 3.2 acres and a drainage area of 43 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water management.

Despite being not state-regulated, Flippin Lake Dam is inspected for its safety with the last inspection conducted in January 2015. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of its condition assessment. With a maximum discharge capacity of 338 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures the safety and well-being of the surrounding community. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it continues to be a vital asset in the region's water resource infrastructure.

Flippin Lake Dam, owned privately, stands as a testament to responsible water management and conservation efforts in North Carolina. With its strategic location and multiple functions, the dam not only provides essential services like fire protection and stock maintenance but also contributes to the overall ecological balance of the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of structures like Flippin Lake Dam becomes increasingly significant in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of local water systems.

Dam Length

230

River Or Stream

Dan River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.2

Hydraulic Height

28.5

Drainage Area

43

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

31.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

32
       
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.