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