Mckiethan Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mckiethan Lake, also known as Bragg-014, is a man-made reservoir located in Silver City, North Carolina.


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Summary

Owned and managed by the US Army, this recreational lake was completed in 1936 and serves primarily for leisure activities. The dam at Mckiethan Lake is an earth structure with a height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 9 feet, providing a storage capacity of 169 acre-feet and a surface area of 57 acres.

Despite being categorized as having low hazard potential, Mckiethan Lake is inspected regularly by the US Army, with the last inspection taking place in August 2020. The dam features a vertical lift outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 22 feet. While the condition assessment is not currently available, the risk assessment for the lake is moderate, indicating a potential for future management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Water enthusiasts and climate advocates can appreciate the importance of maintaining and monitoring Mckiethan Lake for both recreational enjoyment and environmental sustainability in the region.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Juniper Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

57

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

169

Structural Height

12

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.