Brooks Lake Dam

Mountain Creek· Rutherford, North Carolina· Built 1950· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Brooks Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 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 Length465 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Normal Storage135 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Max Discharge865 cfs
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)
NID IDNC00138

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: Yes
Last Inspection: November 16, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Lake Brooks Lake Owners Association, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Brooks Lake Dam?

Brooks 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 Brooks Lake Dam?

Brooks Lake Dam is owned by Lake Brooks Lake Owners Association, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Brooks Lake Dam built?

Brooks Lake Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 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 Brooks Lake Dam?

Brooks 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 Brooks Lake Dam last inspected?

Brooks Lake Dam was last inspected on November 16, 2022. 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.