Bright Penny Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bright Penny Dam, also known as Powder Horne Dam, is a private dam located in Watauga, North Carolina, along Laurel Fork Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam is primarily used for recreation, offering a serene spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the surrounding beauty. With a hydraulic height of 32.4 feet and a structural height of 37 feet, Bright Penny Dam holds a normal storage capacity of 32 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 45 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational purpose, Bright Penny Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety. The dam has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of December 2019, with inspections conducted every two years. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2015, highlighting a commitment to preparedness in case of any unforeseen events.

Located in a picturesque setting in the Wilmington District, Bright Penny Dam serves as a vital water resource for the local community while also providing a peaceful recreational retreat. With its potential for risk, ongoing assessments and management measures are essential to safeguard both the dam's integrity and the surrounding environment. This dam stands as a testament to the delicate balance between water resource management and climate resilience in North Carolina.

Dam Length

152

River Or Stream

Laurel Fork Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

32.4

Nid Storage

45

Structural Height

37

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

37
       
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.