Brooks Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Brooks Creek Dam, located in Macon, North Carolina, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated in the Clear Creek Community, this earth dam on Brooks Creek has a hydraulic height of 13.5 feet and a structural height of 21.5 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 9 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 18 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 2 acres and serves a drainage area of 723 square miles.

Although the dam's condition assessment in 2013 was rated as fair, its hazard potential is deemed significant. The last inspection took place in January 2013, and the dam is currently not under state regulation or permitting. With no associated structures or federal agency involvement, Brooks Creek Dam stands as a key feature in the recreational landscape of Macon County. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam provides an intriguing case study in private ownership and maintenance of critical infrastructure in a scenic natural setting.

As the only dam on Brooks Creek, this structure plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also posing potential risks to the surrounding community. With its unique characteristics and location, Brooks Creek Dam presents a fascinating intersection of human intervention and natural water systems. For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, this dam offers a compelling example of the complexities and challenges involved in balancing human needs with environmental stewardship.

Dam Length

147

River Or Stream

Brooks Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

13.5

Drainage Area

723

Nid Storage

18

Structural Height

21.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.