Breitbart Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kyle Boone Dam Jewell Acres Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Breitbart Dam, located in Buncombe, North Carolina, is a private recreational earth dam that stands at a structural height of 28.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 26 feet.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, situated in the Beaverdam Community along Bee Tree Creek-Trib, serves as a water resource for the area, providing a storage capacity of 6 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 0.5 acres. Despite its relatively small size, the dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring its compliance with state regulations for inspection, enforcement, and permitting.
With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2017, Breitbart Dam remains an essential structure for both recreational purposes and water management. The dam has a spillway type and width, yet further details on its construction year and drainage area are not specified in the data. The inspection frequency for the dam is set at every two years, indicating a proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining its integrity. It is noteworthy that the dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, risk assessment, and management measures are not readily available, potentially warranting further attention and updates to enhance its safety protocols and readiness for any unforeseen events.
Despite its relatively modest size and purpose, Breitbart Dam plays a vital role in the Beaverdam Community's water resource management and recreational activities. As a privately owned structure with state regulation and inspection protocols in place, the dam serves as a notable feature along Bee Tree Creek-Trib, contributing to the local landscape and environment. Its hazard potential and condition assessment underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam for years to come.
Dam Length |
132 |
River Or Stream |
Bee Tree Creek-Trib |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
0.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
6 |
Structural Height |
28.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Campfire Lodgings
|
||
Windy Gap - A Young Life Camp
|
||
firefighter island campsite
|
Breitbart Dam