Big Warrior Creek Dam

Big Warrior Creek· Wilkes, North Carolina· Built 2000· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Big Warrior Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 2000 and is 26 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length1,210 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage400 acre-ft
Normal Storage3.3K acre-ft
Surface Area135 acres
Drainage Area2,503 sq mi
Max Discharge100 cfs
Year Completed2000 (26 years old)
NID IDNC05534

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: January 20, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Young Men's Christian Association of G.C.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Big Warrior Creek Dam?

Big Warrior Creek Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Big Warrior Creek Dam?

Big Warrior Creek Dam is owned by Young Men's Christian Association of G.C. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Big Warrior Creek Dam built?

Big Warrior Creek Dam was completed in 2000, making it 26 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Big Warrior Creek Dam?

Big Warrior Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Big Warrior Creek Dam last inspected?

Big Warrior Creek Dam was last inspected on January 20, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.