Chicken Springs Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Chicken Springs Dam, also known as Williford Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Spencer, North Carolina.
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Summary
This dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a hydraulic height of 1.5 feet and a structural height of 19 feet. It has a storage capacity of 9 acre-feet and covers an area of 2.5 acres, with a drainage area of 70 acres.
Despite its recreational function, Chicken Springs Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in April 2019 revealed the dam's subpar state, prompting a biennial inspection frequency. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Located within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Chicken Springs Dam represents a key water resource management structure in Rowan County. Despite its modest size, its critical role in providing recreational opportunities underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
1.5 |
Drainage Area |
70 |
Nid Storage |
9 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Chicken Springs Dam