William O. Huske Lock And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

William O.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Huske Lock and Dam, located on the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, was completed in 1935 by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This concrete dam serves primarily for navigation purposes, with a multi-arch design and a hydraulic height of 22 feet. The dam has a length of 315 feet and a storage capacity of 2000 acre-feet, with a surface area of 650 acres and a drainage area of 4852 square miles.

Although the dam has a low hazard potential, it still poses flood risks that are managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers through continuous monitoring, maintenance, and engagement with local emergency managers and the public. The dam does not have a spillway, but water may be released to manage water levels or relieve pressure on the structure. The emergency action plan is regularly updated, and risk management measures are in place to ensure the dam's safety and functionality in case of severe weather events or other emergencies.

Overall, William O. Huske Lock and Dam plays a crucial role in the management of water resources in the region, maintaining both navigation and recreational opportunities while addressing potential flood risks through proactive risk management strategies. As a key infrastructure owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam exemplifies the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical water resources for the benefit of both the environment and the local community.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

315

River Or Stream

CAPE FEAR RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

650

Length Of Locks

300

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

4852

Nid Storage

2000

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

None - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.