Ben Webber Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ben Webber Lake Dam, located in Bessemer City, North Carolina, serves as a critical water supply source for the community.


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Summary

Completed in 1982, this earth dam stands 34 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 30 feet, providing a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in December 2020. The emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in June 2016, and there are no inundation maps prepared at this time. With a drainage area of 1293 acres and a surface area of 12 acres, Ben Webber Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and mitigating the risk of potential flooding events.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and maintenance of dams like Ben Webber Lake Dam is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water supplies in our communities. With its regulated status, ongoing inspections, and emergency preparedness measures, this dam serves as a vital component of water management in Gaston County, North Carolina.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Long Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

1293

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

34
       
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.