Big Muddy Lake
Key Takeaway
Big Muddy Lake is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 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 Height | 20 ft (taller than 30.1% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 569 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 473 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 55 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2009 |
| NID ID | NC00058 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Fort LIberty
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Little Muddy Lake
Scotland, NC
High Hazard 15 ftScotland Lake Dam
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Low HazardBroadacres Lake Dam
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Significant HazardHolly Hills Lake Dam
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Low HazardSouthern Pines Raw Water Reservoir Dam
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High HazardCameron Lake Dam
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Low HazardRankin Lake Dam
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Low HazardCardinal Club Pond Dam
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Muddy Lake?
Big Muddy Lake 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 Muddy Lake?
Big Muddy Lake is owned by Fort LIberty (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Muddy Lake built?
Big Muddy Lake was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Muddy Lake?
Big Muddy Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Big Muddy Lake?
Big Muddy Lake has a dam height of 20 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Big Muddy Lake last inspected?
Big Muddy Lake was last inspected on February 15, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.