Bowman Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Alexander, North Carolina, Bowman Dam is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in providing fire protection, stock, and serving as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1987, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 13.5 feet. It boasts a storage capacity of 7.8 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2.7 acre-feet, making it a significant resource for the local community.

Bowman Dam, situated on the Middle Little River-Tr, is subject to state regulation and inspection by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam remains a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in the region. With a structural height of 17 feet and a length of 250 feet, Bowman Dam serves as a critical asset for water management and emergency response in the area.

Maintaining a close watch on its condition and conducting regular inspections, Bowman Dam continues to provide essential services while mitigating potential risks. As a key feature in the water resource system, its role in fire protection, stock management, and creating a small fish pond underscores its importance in supporting the community's needs and enhancing resilience to climate change impacts.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

250

River Or Stream

Middle Little River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

13.5

Nid Storage

7.8

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
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.