Town Fork Creek Watershed Dam #1-B Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Town Fork Creek Watershed Dam #1-B, located in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1968 for flood risk reduction along Lick Creek.


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Summary

With a structural height of 39 feet and a hydraulic height of 15 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam has a storage capacity of 271 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 123 acre-feet spread over a surface area of 17.4 acres.

Despite being state-regulated and inspected, Town Fork Creek Watershed Dam #1-B has a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. However, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 deemed it satisfactory, providing some reassurance to the local community. With a moderate risk rating of 3 and a history of regular inspections every 2 years, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively while maintaining a proactive approach to risk management.

Town Fork Creek Watershed Dam #1-B stands as a vital infrastructure within the Forsyth County region, overseen by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program. While it lacks associated structures and federal funding, its role in flood risk reduction for the area cannot be understated. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the importance of well-maintained dams like this one in protecting communities and water resources becomes increasingly evident.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

570

River Or Stream

Lick Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.4

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

271

Structural Height

39

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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.