Willis Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Whitehead, North Carolina, the Willis Lake Dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence since its completion in 1962.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of recreation, this private dam on Waterfall Creek offers a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. Standing at a structural height of 30 feet and a hydraulic height of 25 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 4.7 acres for outdoor enjoyment.
Managed by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, the Willis Lake Dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of January 2019, this earth dam continues to serve its recreational purposes with minimal risk. Surrounded by the picturesque Alleghany County landscape, the dam's location offers a tranquil setting for visitors to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climates.
As the Wilmington District of the USACE oversees the Willis Lake Dam, it remains a vital part of the local ecosystem, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water storage. With a drainage area of 218 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 165 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water flow and quality in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Willis Lake Dam represents a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
219 |
River Or Stream |
Waterfall Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
218 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Fork New River Near Jefferson
|
254cfs |
Reddies River At North Wilkesboro
|
67cfs |
New River Near Galax
|
987cfs |
Yadkin River At Wilkesboro
|
423cfs |
Chestnut Creek At Galax
|
36cfs |
Mitchell River Near State Road
|
57cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Doughton Park Campground
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Doughton Park - Blue Ridge Parkway
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Site F
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Site D
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Site E
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Site B
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Willis Lake Dam