Buckhorn Lake Dam

Cape Fear River· Lee, North Carolina· Built 1915· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Buckhorn Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length1,550 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.8K acre-ft
Drainage Area2,048,000 sq mi
Max Discharge3,860 cfs
Year Completed1915 (111 years old)
NID IDNC00752

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 15, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Duke Energy Corporation

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buckhorn Lake Dam?

Buckhorn Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. 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 Duke Energy Corporation (Public Utility). 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 1915, making it 111 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, Water Supply. 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 April 15, 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.