Vernon Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Vernon Lake Dam, located in Madison, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at 27 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 22.4 feet and a length of 215 feet. It has a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 558 cubic feet per second. The dam is situated on the Big Beaver Island Creek-Tr and is under the jurisdiction of the Huntington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Vernon Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in January 2015. The dam does not have a state regulatory agency overseeing its operations, permitting, or enforcement. It is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay updated on the condition of Vernon Lake Dam and to advocate for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of the structure and the surrounding environment. Additionally, there is no Emergency Action Plan in place for the dam, highlighting the need for proactive risk management measures to be implemented.
Dam Length |
215 |
River Or Stream |
Big Beaver Island Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.4 |
Drainage Area |
20 |
Nid Storage |
22 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mayo River Near Price
|
132cfs |
North Mayo River Near Spencer
|
61cfs |
South Mayo River Near Nettleridge
|
48cfs |
Dan R At Pine Hall
|
229cfs |
Dan River Near Wentworth
|
517cfs |
Smith River At Martinsville
|
145cfs |
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.
Vernon Lake Dam