Cape Fear River Lock And Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
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.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Length |
375 |
River Or Stream |
CAPE FEAR RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
1400 |
Length Of Locks |
200 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
5255 |
Nid Storage |
20000 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cape Fear R At Lock #1 Nr Kelly
|
2420cfs |
Black River Near Tomahawk
|
668cfs |
Waccamaw River At Freeland
|
176cfs |
Big Swamp Nr Tarheel
|
125cfs |
Lumber River At Boardman
|
814cfs |
Northeast Cape Fear River Near Chinquapin
|
549cfs |
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.
Cape Fear River Lock And Dam 1