Johnson Dam #3
Johnson Dam #3 is an earth dam located in Lee County, North Carolina, built in 1949. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Johnson Dam #3
The primary purpose of Johnson Dam #3 is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Carbonton Heights Homeowners Association, Inc. (private). It impounds the Big Buffalo Creek.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 12 acre-feet. Completed in 1949, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 11/30/2023.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Lee |
| River/Stream | Big Buffalo Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.48330, -79.21290 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 12 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 12 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Carbonton Heights Homeowners Association, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/30/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC03261 |
| Federal ID | NC03261 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |