South Bay Dike dam
South Bay Dike
South Bay Dike, located in Columbus, North Carolina, serves as a critical structure along the Cape Fear River to manage water resources in the region. This private-owned earth dam, standing at a structural height of 24 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet, plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage. With a storage capacity of 2700 acre-feet and a drainage area of 180 acres, the dam provides vital protection to the surrounding areas during heavy rainfall and storms.
Maintained and regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, South Bay Dike is classified as having a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in September 2018. Although the dam has not been modified since its construction, regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness. Additionally, emergency action plans are in place to address any potential risks and to coordinate response efforts in case of an unforeseen event.
South Bay Dike stands as a significant infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in managing water resources effectively. As a key component in the region's water management system, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities and preserving the natural balance of the Cape Fear River watershed. With its strategic location and structural design, South Bay Dike exemplifies the importance of proactive dam safety practices in ensuring the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around South Bay Dike -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Fear R At Lock #1 Nr Kelly | 1,410 cfs | → |
| Waccamaw River At Freeland | 7 cfs | → |
| Black River Near Tomahawk | 80 cfs | → |
| Northeast Cape Fear River Near Chinquapin | 43 cfs | → |
| Waccamaw River Near Longs | 24 cfs | → |
| Lumber River At Boardman | 251 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near South Bay Dike.
Boat launches
- Sutton Lake Road 399, New Hanover County
- West Castle Street, Wilmington
- Castle Hayne Road 6501, Castle Hayne
- Shaw Highway 6138, Rocky Point
- Snow's Cut Boating Access
- Whitestocking Road 525, Burgaw
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track South Bay Dike in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About South Bay Dike
Where does the data for South Bay Dike come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of South Bay Dike.