Muddy Creek Dam #19 (Boyscout) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Muddy Creek Dam #19 (Boyscout) is a key infrastructure in Dysartsville, North Carolina, designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along Hopper Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 55 feet and has a hydraulic height of 22 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 200 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 deemed it satisfactory, ensuring its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.
Managed by the local government of McDowell County, Muddy Creek Dam #19 (Boyscout) is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, reflecting the state's commitment to safety and compliance. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam serves as a vital component in the region's water resource management infrastructure. Its risk assessment of moderate (3) highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard surrounding communities and infrastructure.
As a part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service's portfolio, Muddy Creek Dam #19 (Boyscout) plays a crucial role in protecting Dysartsville from potential flooding events. Its design, construction, and operation are guided by state regulations and frequent inspections, ensuring its reliability in managing water flow and reducing flood risks. With its satisfactory condition and moderate risk assessment, this earth dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management in North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
569 |
River Or Stream |
Hopper Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Structural Height |
55 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
55 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Catawba R Nr Pleasant Gardens
|
121cfs |
Second Broad River Nr Logan
|
58cfs |
First Broad River Near Casar
|
51cfs |
Linville River Near Nebo
|
75cfs |
Cove Creek Near Lake Lure
|
61cfs |
Jacob Fork At Ramsey
|
17cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Vein Mountain Gold Camp & Carolina Emerald Mine
Lucky Strike Campground
Lake James State Park
Murray Branch Campground
Fox Trail Campground
Mad Mama's River Run Campground
Muddy Creek Dam #19 (Boyscout)