Williams Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Williams Lake Dam, located in Harnett County, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1954 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a structural height of 14 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet, creating a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 120 acre-feet. It spans a length of 1200 feet and is situated on Mcleods Creek, offering a surface area of 16 acres for water-based activities.
Despite being privately owned, the dam is subject to state inspection and enforcement, with the last assessment conducted in October 2012 rating its condition as fair with a low hazard potential. The inspection frequency is noted as 0, indicating that the dam may not require regular assessments due to its stable condition. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and readiness are not specified in the data, raising potential concerns for proactive risk management and response measures.
Overall, Williams Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in the area, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and water-based recreation. However, the lack of recent inspection data and emergency preparedness information underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and longevity of the dam for both recreational users and the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
River Or Stream |
Mcleods Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
144 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
175cfs |
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.
Williams Lake Dam