Thornton Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thornton Creek Dam, also known as Thornton's Creek Dam, is a significant structure located in Harnett, North Carolina.


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Summary

Completed in 2006, this earth dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a primary purpose of providing habitat for local wildlife and recreational opportunities for visitors. With a structural height of 14.5 feet and a length of 775 feet, Thornton Creek Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, particularly in relation to the flow of water from the Upstream Tributaries (UT) to Thornton's Creek.

Despite not being federally owned or regulated, Thornton Creek Dam poses a significant hazard potential and is classified as significant in terms of risk. The condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, indicating a need for further evaluation and monitoring. While the dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated contact information, its importance in supporting local ecosystems and recreational activities underscores the need for ongoing attention and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate change will find Thornton Creek Dam to be a fascinating case study in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and risk management.

Year Completed

2006

Dam Length

775

River Or Stream

UT to Thornton's Creek

Structural Height

14.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.