Brown Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Brown Dam, located in Iredell, North Carolina, along Third Creek, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 27.5 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.5 acres. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement requirements.
Constructed with an earth design, Brown Dam spans 500 feet in length and serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the region. Although details about its year of completion and specific maintenance history are not available, the dam's last inspection in October 2015 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition. The dam does not have a designated spillway or outlet gates, but its emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unspecified.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Brown Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and recreational use. Its location within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers adds a layer of federal oversight, even though the dam itself is not owned or funded by federal agencies. As climate change continues to impact water resources across the country, understanding the management and maintenance of structures like Brown Dam is crucial for ensuring their safety and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
Third Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
27.5 |
Nid Storage |
87 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
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.
Brown Dam