Williams Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Williams Lake Dam #1, located in Alma, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1953 with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Standing at a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, this dam spans 600 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. While the dam is rated as having a low hazard potential, its condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in 2012.

The dam, situated on Drowning Creek-Os, is not regulated by the state and does not require permitting for operation. Despite its age, Williams Lake Dam #1 is equipped with outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 50 cubic feet per second. Although it serves primarily for irrigation, the dam also offers recreational opportunities in the area. With its picturesque surroundings and historical significance, Williams Lake Dam #1 is a vital water resource for the community and a notable landmark in Moore County.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Drowning Creek-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

77

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.