Beech Lake (Upper) Dam

Featherstone Creek· Henderson, North Carolina· Built 1965· Earth·
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Beech Lake (Upper) Dam is classified as significant hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage68 acre-ft
Normal Storage10 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area250 sq mi
Max Discharge20 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDNC00352

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 29, 2014
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Beechwood Lakes Property Owners Assc., Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Beech Lake (Upper) Dam?

Beech Lake (Upper) Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Beech Lake (Upper) Dam?

Beech Lake (Upper) Dam is owned by Beechwood Lakes Property Owners Assc., Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Beech Lake (Upper) Dam built?

Beech Lake (Upper) Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Beech Lake (Upper) Dam?

Beech Lake (Upper) 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 Beech Lake (Upper) Dam last inspected?

Beech Lake (Upper) Dam was last inspected on April 29, 2014. 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.