Watson Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Watson Lake Dam #1, located in Aberdeen, North Carolina, serves as a vital structure for recreational purposes along the Aberdeen Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1928, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 21 feet, with a length of 459 feet. With a storage capacity of 579 acre-feet, the dam provides essential water resources for the local area, covering a surface area of 62 acres and draining a 5714-acre watershed.

Managed by a private owner, Watson Lake Dam #1 is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of the latest inspection in January 2021. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are currently under review, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and integrity of this crucial water resource infrastructure for both recreational and environmental purposes. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Watson Lake Dam #1 to be an intriguing example of the intersection between human infrastructure and natural conservation efforts in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

459

River Or Stream

Aberdeen Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

62

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

5714

Nid Storage

579

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

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.