Willard Woody Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Willard Woody Dam, located in Bryson City, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure on Cooper Creek primarily designed for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 10 acre-feet. While the dam is categorized as an Earth type, its condition assessment remains satisfactory with a significant hazard potential.

Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, the dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance with established guidelines. The last inspection conducted in January 2017 revealed no significant issues, and the dam meets the necessary requirements for emergency action plans and inundation maps. With a designated inspection frequency of 2 years, the Willard Woody Dam serves as a vital component in the local water resource management system.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Willard Woody Dam is a noteworthy structure in Swain County, offering opportunities for recreational activities while maintaining a safe and reliable water storage facility. As a privately owned entity with state oversight, the dam plays a crucial role in the overall management of Cooper Creek and contributes to the region's water resource sustainability. With a focus on safety and compliance, the continued operation and maintenance of Willard Woody Dam exemplify responsible stewardship of water resources in North Carolina's natural landscape.

River Or Stream

Cooper Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

10

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.