Willow Lake Estates Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Willow Lake Estates in Rutherford, North Carolina is a private recreational area with a dam that is state-regulated and inspected.
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Summary
The dam is an earth dam with a structural height of 29 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, creating a lake with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.2 acres. While the primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, its hazard potential is classified as high, and its condition assessment is deemed unsatisfactory as of the last inspection in January 2021.
Located within the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Willow Lake Estates does not have any associated structures or locks. The dam has a drainage area of 100 square miles and no stream flow into the lake. Despite its risk potential, the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place that meets guidelines. With its scenic surroundings and potential for outdoor activities, Willow Lake Estates may need to address its safety protocols and maintenance to ensure the protection of its visitors and the surrounding environment.
Dam Length |
888 |
River Or Stream |
no stream flow into lake |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
100 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Willow Lake Estates