Mckellars Lake (Upper)
Key Takeaway
Mckellars Lake (Upper) is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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 | 12 ft (taller than 4.9% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 74 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 60 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00030 |
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
Mckellars Lake (Lower)
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High Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mckellars Lake (Upper)?
Mckellars Lake (Upper) 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 Mckellars Lake (Upper)?
Mckellars Lake (Upper) is owned by Fort LIberty (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mckellars Lake (Upper) built?
Mckellars Lake (Upper) was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Mckellars Lake (Upper)?
Mckellars Lake (Upper) 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 Mckellars Lake (Upper)?
Mckellars Lake (Upper) has a dam height of 12 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 Mckellars Lake (Upper) last inspected?
Mckellars Lake (Upper) was last inspected on February 15, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.