Brush Creek Upper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brush Creek Upper Dam, located in Macon, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

The dam, situated on Brush Creek, serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a hydraulic height of 11.5 feet and a structural height of 12 feet. With a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1543 acres, the dam poses a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in July 2015.

Despite its modest size with a length of 126 feet and a surface area of 8 acres, Brush Creek Upper Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With its ability to store and regulate water flow, the dam contributes to flood control efforts and provides recreational opportunities for the community. The dam's emergency action plan, last revised in May 2006, ensures that necessary measures are in place to mitigate risks and protect downstream areas in case of a dam failure.

As part of the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Brush Creek Upper Dam exemplifies the importance of local partnerships in maintaining critical infrastructure for water resource management. With ongoing inspections and enforcement of regulatory standards, the dam continues to serve as a vital component of the region's water infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of recreation, safety, and environmental stewardship in a changing climate landscape.

Dam Length

126

River Or Stream

Brush Creek

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

11.5

Drainage Area

1543

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

12
       
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.