Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam

Flat Top Branch· Watauga, North Carolina· Built 1958· Earth·
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 Length325 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage76 acre-ft
Normal Storage61 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area340 sq mi
Max Discharge725 cfs
Year Completed1958 (68 years old)
NID IDNC00414

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: March 10, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Town of Blowing Rock

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam?

Old Blowing Rock Water Supply 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 Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam?

Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam is owned by Town of Blowing Rock (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam built?

Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam?

Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam last inspected?

Old Blowing Rock Water Supply Dam was last inspected on March 10, 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.