Big Warrior Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Warrior Creek Dam, located in Boomer, North Carolina, is a private dam primarily used for recreation on Big Warrior Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 2000, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 76 feet with a hydraulic height of 66 feet, providing a storage capacity of 3,309 acre-feet and a maximum storage volume of 400 acre-feet. The dam spans 1,210 feet in length and covers a surface area of 135 acres, serving a drainage area of 2,467 acres.

With a high hazard potential but deemed to be in satisfactory condition, Big Warrior Creek Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. The dam is located in Wilkes County and falls under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Despite its recreational purpose, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures remain unspecified, raising questions about its preparedness for potential hazards and emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Warrior Creek Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam management and safety regulation. As a significant recreational feature in the area, the dam's structural integrity and emergency response preparedness are crucial factors to monitor. With its high hazard potential and location in a densely populated county, ongoing inspections, risk assessments, and adherence to safety guidelines are essential to ensure the continued safety and enjoyment of this water resource.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

1210

River Or Stream

Big Warrior Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

135

Hydraulic Height

66

Drainage Area

2467

Nid Storage

3309

Structural Height

76

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

76
       
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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.