Muddy Creek Dam #15

Allen Mill Creek· McDowell, North Carolina· Built 1962· Earth·
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Muddy Creek Dam #15 is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Length370 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage230 acre-ft
Normal Storage144 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Max Discharge3,700 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDNC00175

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 13, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

McDowell Soil and Water Conservation District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Muddy Creek Dam #15?

Muddy Creek Dam #15 is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Muddy Creek Dam #15?

Muddy Creek Dam #15 is owned by McDowell Soil and Water Conservation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Muddy Creek Dam #15 built?

Muddy Creek Dam #15 was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Muddy Creek Dam #15?

Muddy Creek Dam #15 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Muddy Creek Dam #15 last inspected?

Muddy Creek Dam #15 was last inspected on March 13, 2023. 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.