Willow Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Willow Valley Lake Dam, located in Henderson, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1967, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 16.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 15.9 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. The dam is situated on South Fork Creek within the Wilmington District, and its reservoir covers a surface area of 5 acres, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor activities in the Bowman Bluff area.

Despite being privately owned, Willow Valley Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program under the NC Department of Environmental Quality. The dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential, but its condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in May 2014. With a regular inspection frequency of every two years, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unspecified, indicating a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety and resilience of the structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and advocate for.

As a key feature in the local landscape, Willow Valley Lake Dam presents a valuable recreational resource while also highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and risk management practices to ensure the safety of downstream communities and the sustainability of water resources in the region. With its significant hazard potential and regulatory oversight, this earth dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts to engage with state agencies, advocate for improved dam safety measures, and promote sustainable management practices to mitigate risks and enhance the resilience of water infrastructure in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

415

River Or Stream

South Fork Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

15.9

Nid Storage

35

Structural Height

16.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.