Mcfayden Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Young's Lake Water Treatment Plant
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mcfayden Lake, located in Cumberland County, North Carolina, is a recreational reservoir managed by the US Army for the primary purpose of providing leisure activities for visitors.
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Summary
Built in 1970, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 12 acres and is fed by Tank Creek, with a drainage area of 3 square miles.
Despite its serene recreational setting, Mcfayden Lake poses a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway and limited inspection frequency of once every four years. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, raising concerns about its long-term safety and maintenance. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there is a need for improved emergency action preparedness and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment in case of a breach or emergency situation.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
Tank Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |
Cape Fear R At Wilm O Huske Lock Nr Tarheel
|
1070cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
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.
Mcfayden Lake