Big Dan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Flippin Lake Dam Hoskins Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Located in Danbury, North Carolina, the Big Dan Lake Dam is a privately owned structure situated on the Dan River-Tr.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of recreation, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 28 feet and a hydraulic height of 26 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 336 acre-feet. The dam, completed in an undisclosed year, covers a surface area of 23.8 acres and serves as a low hazard potential structure with a condition assessment of "Not Rated".
Managed by the Huntington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Big Dan Lake Dam offers a tranquil setting for water and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various outdoor activities. Despite being state-inspected, the dam is not regulated or permitted by the state of North Carolina. With a last inspection conducted in January 2016, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the community and environment.
Dam Length |
330 |
River Or Stream |
Dan River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
90 |
Nid Storage |
336 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Big Dan Lake Dam