Mott Lake
Key Takeaway
Mott 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 | 23 ft (taller than 38.8% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 1,890 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 749 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 442 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 130 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00039 |
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
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mott Lake?
Mott 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 Mott Lake?
Mott Lake is owned by Fort Liberty (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mott Lake built?
Mott 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 Mott Lake?
Mott 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 Mott Lake?
Mott Lake 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 Mott Lake last inspected?
Mott Lake was last inspected on February 15, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.