Williamson Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Williamson Pond Dam, located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, is a privately owned Earth dam that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 15 feet along the Swannanoa River-Trib, within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While not state-regulated, the dam has undergone inspections, with the last assessment conducted in May 2009, deeming its condition satisfactory.

Despite its non-state regulated status, Williamson Pond Dam poses a significant hazard potential, indicating the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unclear, suggesting a need for further evaluation and updates. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Williamson Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and the importance of proactive dam safety practices in mitigating potential risks to surrounding communities and ecosystems.

River Or Stream

Swannanoa River-Trib

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.