Willis Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pritchard Pond Dam Gary Davis Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Willis Lake Dam in Burke, North Carolina, is a significant earth dam completed in 1955 for recreational purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a hydraulic height of 38 feet and a structural height of 40 feet, the dam serves as a vital structure on the Willis Lake (WS-III, ORW) river system, providing storage capacity of 91 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in poor condition and has a significant hazard potential, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
Owned privately, Willis Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state jurisdiction and enforcement in place. The dam, located in Pleasant Grove, has a drainage area of 410 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. The dam's last inspection in January 2021 revealed its poor condition, emphasizing the importance of proactive risk management measures and emergency preparedness in case of a potential failure.
With a length of 255 feet, Willis Lake Dam stands as a crucial recreational resource in the area, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. However, its aging infrastructure and poor condition pose a significant risk to the community, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the resilience and safety of dams like Willis Lake Dam will become increasingly important for sustainable water management in the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
255 |
River Or Stream |
Willis Lake (WS-III, ORW) |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Drainage Area |
410 |
Nid Storage |
91 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Jacob Fork At Ramsey
|
17cfs |
Henry Fork Near Henry River
|
41cfs |
First Broad River Near Casar
|
51cfs |
Johns River At Arneys Store
|
173cfs |
Indian Creek Near Laboratory
|
608cfs |
Second Broad River Nr Logan
|
58cfs |
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.
South Mountains State Park
Family Campground, South Mountains State Park
Little River Campground
Sawtooth Campground
Upper Falls Campground
Shinny Falls Campground
Willis Lake Dam