Watson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Watson Lake Dam, located in Lee, North Carolina, is a crucial water resource structure primarily designed for water supply purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Managed by the local government, the dam sits on Juniper Creek within the Wilmington District. With a structural height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet, Watson Lake Dam plays a significant role in providing water to the surrounding areas.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of January 2021, Watson Lake Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential. It is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its integrity. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unknown, raising concerns about its preparedness for potential disasters.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change should keep an eye on Watson Lake Dam due to its importance in the local water supply system and its potential risk factors. With ongoing evaluations and inspections, the dam's functionality and safety will continue to be monitored to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and the environment.

River Or Stream

Juniper Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

83

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.