Anchors Landing Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Anchors Landing Lower, also known as Lower Heron Lake, is a private water resource located in Hickory, North Carolina.


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Summary

This recreational dam was completed in 2001 and serves the primary purpose of recreation. With a structural height of 33 feet and a hydraulic height of 27 feet, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2 acres. The dam is situated on Gunpowder Creek-Tr and falls under the jurisdiction of the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program.

Despite its recreational benefits, Anchors Landing Lower poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam has a drainage area of 188 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 760 cubic feet per second. Inspections are conducted every two years, with the most recent assessment conducted in December 2020. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in January 2016, and further risk management measures may be needed to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Anchors Landing Lower an intriguing site for its recreational opportunities and the challenges it faces in terms of safety and maintenance. With its unique location and significant hazard potential, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper management and oversight in preserving our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

280

River Or Stream

Gunpowder Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

188

Nid Storage

27

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

33
       
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.