Washburn Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Newman-Bowman Dam Ed Wilkins Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Washburn Lake Dam, located in the town of Foushee in Rockingham, North Carolina, serves as a crucial irrigation source in the region.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 31 feet, with a structural height of 35 feet and a length of 1500 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 109 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 8.8 acres. Troublesome Creek-Tr runs through the area, reflecting the dam's importance in water resource management.
Managed by a private entity, Washburn Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam is regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in February 2018, rating its condition as fair with a low hazard potential. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it continues to provide vital irrigation water to the surrounding area. With its strategic location and functional design, Washburn Lake Dam plays a significant role in sustaining agricultural activities and water resources in the region.
Despite its age, Washburn Lake Dam remains a reliable structure, meeting regulatory guidelines and ensuring the safety of downstream communities. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unspecified, indicating a potential area for further development to enhance its overall resilience. As climate change impacts water resources, efforts to maintain and upgrade dams like Washburn Lake Dam are crucial in safeguarding against potential risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
River Or Stream |
Troublesome Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Washburn Lake Dam