Howard Hensley Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Howard Hensley Dam, located in Rowan, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1983.


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Summary

This earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. The dam has a hydraulic height of 23.6 feet and a structural height of 30.2 feet, with a total length of 315 feet. It boasts a storage capacity of 78.5 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.5 acres.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Howard Hensley Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, making it crucial for regular inspections and maintenance. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it features uncontrolled outlet gates. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by various state agencies, including NCDEQ and the Dam Safety Program. The dam's location on Kerr Creek-Tr provides valuable water resources for the region and contributes to the local ecosystem.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Howard Hensley Dam to be a fascinating structure that plays a vital role in managing water resources and supporting wildlife in North Carolina. The dam's design and purpose reflect a commitment to fire protection and sustainable water use. Its association with the USDA NRCS highlights the importance of environmental stewardship in dam construction. As a privately owned dam with state oversight, Howard Hensley Dam serves as a model for responsible water resource management and climate adaptation in the region.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

315

River Or Stream

Kerr Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.5

Hydraulic Height

23.6

Nid Storage

78.5

Structural Height

30.2

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.