Cape Fear River Lock And Dam 1

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Cape Fear River Lock and Dam 1, located in NAVASSA, North Carolina, is a federal-owned structure managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Completed in 1915, this concrete dam serves primarily for navigation purposes on the Cape Fear River. With a height of 23 feet and a length of 375 feet, the dam has a capacity to store up to 20,000 acre-feet of water, covering a surface area of 1400 acres and draining a watershed of 5255 square miles.

Although the dam is categorized with a low hazard potential, its risk assessment is marked as high, indicating a need for active management and monitoring. The USACE implements various risk management measures to address potential flood risks associated with the dam, including conducting regular inspections, updating emergency action plans, and collaborating with local emergency managers to raise awareness and prepare for any dam-related emergencies. Despite its limited water storage capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region.

As climate change brings about more severe weather events and unpredictable water levels, the importance of structures like Cape Fear River Lock and Dam 1 in maintaining water resources and protecting communities becomes increasingly evident. The ongoing efforts by the US Army Corps of Engineers to manage risks associated with the dam and ensure its structural integrity are crucial for safeguarding both the natural environment and human populations in the Cape Fear River watershed.