Bass Lake Dam

West Bear Creek· Wayne, North Carolina· Built 1966· Earth·
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Bass Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Length1,110 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage467 acre-ft
Normal Storage227 acre-ft
Surface Area63 acres
Drainage Area2,953 sq mi
Max Discharge660 cfs
Year Completed1966 (60 years old)
NID IDNC00985

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 18, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Roland M Gray

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bass Lake Dam?

Bass 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 Bass Lake Dam?

Bass Lake Dam is owned by Roland M Gray (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bass Lake Dam built?

Bass Lake Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Bass Lake Dam?

Bass Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Bass Lake Dam last inspected?

Bass Lake Dam was last inspected on May 18, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.