Buckhorn Lake Dam

Reedy Fork Creek· Guilford, North Carolina· Built 1960· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Buckhorn 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 Length1,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage56 acre-ft
Normal Storage48 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Max Discharge50 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDNC00671

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: January 6, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Eller Living Trust

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buckhorn Lake Dam?

Buckhorn 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 Buckhorn Lake Dam?

Buckhorn Lake Dam is owned by Eller Living Trust (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Buckhorn Lake Dam built?

Buckhorn 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 Buckhorn Lake Dam?

Buckhorn 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 Buckhorn Lake Dam last inspected?

Buckhorn Lake Dam was last inspected on January 6, 2021. 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.