Red Bud Dam

Haw River· Chatham, North Carolina· Built 1992· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Red Bud Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1992 and is 34 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 Length426 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage92 acre-ft
Normal Storage67 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area398 sq mi
Year Completed1992 (34 years old)
NID IDNC02066

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: April 20, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Redbud Landowners Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Red Bud Dam?

Red Bud 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 Red Bud Dam?

Red Bud Dam is owned by Redbud Landowners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Red Bud Dam built?

Red Bud Dam was completed in 1992, making it 34 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 Red Bud Dam?

Red Bud 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 Red Bud Dam last inspected?

Red Bud Dam was last inspected on April 20, 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.