West Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hurley Lake Lake Lindsay
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The West Lake Dam, located in Johnsonville, North Carolina, serves the primary purpose of irrigation and also offers recreational opportunities.
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Summary
Completed in 1954, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, with a length of 510 feet. It has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres, drawing water from the Buffalo Creek-Tr river system.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of May 2017, the dam has not been subjected to regulatory oversight by the state. The dam's design and construction were privately funded and managed, making it an interesting case study for water resource enthusiasts. With a drainage area of 237 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 40 cubic feet per second, West Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find the West Lake Dam a fascinating subject for study, given its unique combination of irrigation and recreational purposes. The dam's location in Harnett County, North Carolina, highlights the importance of local infrastructure in managing water resources effectively. As the dam continues to serve its intended functions, monitoring its condition and potential modifications in the future will be essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
510 |
River Or Stream |
Buffalo Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
237 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
104cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
West Lake Dam