New River Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

New River Lake Dam, also known as Crystle Lake Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.


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Summary

Situated on the Middle Fork Creek, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 3.5 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. With a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 35 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational benefits, New River Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of March 2021. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that state inspections, permitting, and enforcement are in place to mitigate any potential risks. With a history of modifications and a last inspection date in March 2021, efforts are being made to address the dam's condition and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, New River Lake Dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also highlights the importance of dam safety and regulation in safeguarding communities against potential hazards. With ongoing assessments and inspections, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical need for effective risk management measures to protect both the environment and the public.

Dam Length

229

River Or Stream

Middle Fork Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.5

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

640

Nid Storage

35

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.