Blanchard Dam #4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Blanchard Dam #4, located in Erwin, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam on Barbecue Creek-Tr that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 35 feet and a structural height of 37 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 274 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 18.5 acres. Despite its recreational focus, Blanchard Dam #4 poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as unsatisfactory in condition as of February 2020.
Managed by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Blanchard Dam #4 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With the last inspection conducted in February 2020 and a scheduled inspection frequency of every 2 years, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps are currently unreported. The dam's surrounding area in Harnett County, North Carolina, is at risk of potential flooding and requires continued monitoring and management to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
As a crucial part of the local water resource infrastructure, Blanchard Dam #4 in North Carolina not only offers recreational opportunities but also presents challenges in terms of safety and maintenance. With its unique design and historical significance, this dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of human-made structures with natural waterways. Ongoing regulatory oversight and risk management measures are essential to safeguarding the surrounding community and ecosystem from the potential hazards associated with this dam.
Dam Length |
1088 |
River Or Stream |
Barbecue Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
77 |
Nid Storage |
274 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
175cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
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.
Blanchard Dam #4