Bunn Lake Dam

Moccasin Creek· Franklin, North Carolina· Built 1930· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Bunn Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 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 Length1,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage975 acre-ft
Normal Storage690 acre-ft
Surface Area120 acres
Drainage Area11,264 sq mi
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDNC01070

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: February 22, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Bunn Lake Property Owners Association, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bunn Lake Dam?

Bunn 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 Bunn Lake Dam?

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

When was Bunn Lake Dam built?

Bunn Lake Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Bunn Lake Dam?

Bunn 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 Bunn Lake Dam last inspected?

Bunn Lake Dam was last inspected on February 22, 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.