Brinkley Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brinkley Dam, located in Lexington, North Carolina, serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This privately owned earth dam was completed in 1984 and spans 378 feet in length with a hydraulic height of 24.1 feet and a structural height of 26.9 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet, with normal storage levels reaching 11 acre-feet.

Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, Brinkley Dam received a fair condition assessment during its last inspection in September 2014. The dam is situated on Swearing Creek-Tr and falls under the jurisdiction of the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam is not regulated by the state, it does undergo regular inspections to ensure its integrity and safety.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Brinkley Dam to be an intriguing structure due to its unique combination of purposes and modest dimensions. The dam's location in Davidson County, its ownership status, and its functional design make it a notable feature in the local landscape. As a contributing factor to water management in the area, Brinkley Dam plays a significant role in supporting various ecological and human activities.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

378

River Or Stream

Swearing Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.6

Hydraulic Height

24.1

Drainage Area

18

Nid Storage

17

Structural Height

26.9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.