Mckinney Lake Dam

HITCHCOCK CREEK· Richmond, North Carolina· Built 1939· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Mckinney Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 38.8% in NC)
Dam Length440 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage270 acre-ft
Surface Area73 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge9,061 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDNC00651

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 21, 2009
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mckinney Lake Dam?

Mckinney Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Mckinney Lake Dam?

Mckinney Lake Dam is owned by US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mckinney Lake Dam built?

Mckinney Lake Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Mckinney Lake Dam?

Mckinney Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mckinney Lake Dam?

Mckinney Lake Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Mckinney Lake Dam last inspected?

Mckinney Lake Dam was last inspected on July 21, 2009. 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.