Johnson Dam #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Johnson Dam #4 is a privately owned earth dam located in Lee County, North Carolina, specifically in the city of Sanford.


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Summary

The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, situated along the Big Buffalo Creek-Tr river stream. With a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, Johnson Dam #4 provides a storage capacity of 24 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource in the area.

Despite being privately owned, Johnson Dam #4 is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam has a fair condition assessment as of January 2021, with a significant hazard potential. Even though the dam has no associated structures or spillway type specified, its presence along the river adds to the recreational opportunities in the region.

Located within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Johnson Dam #4 offers a glimpse into the intersection of water resource management, climate considerations, and recreational opportunities. With its unique design and purpose, the dam serves as a focal point for both water enthusiasts and nature lovers in Lee County, North Carolina.

Dam Length

165

River Or Stream

Big Buffalo Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

24

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.