Bailey Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bailey Dam, located in Wake, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, with a hydraulic height of 22.5 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, stands along Barton Creek-Tr and offers a storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. While the dam's condition assessment is rated as fair, it is classified as having a high hazard potential.

Managed by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Bailey Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam, with a length of 310 feet and a normal storage capacity of 49 acre-feet, serves as a popular spot for water enthusiasts in the area. Despite its fair condition, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the community while meeting regulatory guidelines for safety and maintenance.

Dam Length

310

River Or Stream

Barton Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

22.5

Nid Storage

76

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.