Bald Mountain Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Bald Mountain Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 288 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 240 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 50 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,176 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,848 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1978 |
| NID ID | NC00099 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Fairfield Mountains POA, Inc.
Private
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Significant HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bald Mountain Lake Dam?
Bald Mountain Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bald Mountain Lake Dam?
Bald Mountain Lake Dam is owned by Fairfield Mountains POA, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bald Mountain Lake Dam built?
Bald Mountain Lake Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bald Mountain Lake Dam?
Bald Mountain Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Bald Mountain Lake Dam last inspected?
Bald Mountain Lake Dam was last inspected on December 2, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.