Barus Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barus Dam, located in Valdese, North Carolina, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Situated on Double Branch, the dam has a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, with a storage capacity of 24 acre-feet. The dam, with a length of 135 feet and a surface area of 2.5 acres, serves a drainage area of 110 square miles and has a maximum discharge rate of 50 cubic feet per second.

Despite its recreational significance, Barus Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in May 2015. The dam's emergency action plan readiness and risk management measures are currently unspecified, raising concerns about the safety and maintenance of this essential water resource in Burke County. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate may find interest in the ongoing monitoring and potential improvements needed to ensure the resilience and sustainability of Barus Dam in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

135

River Or Stream

Double Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

110

Nid Storage

24

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.