Big Muddy Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Muddy Lake, located in Wagram, North Carolina, is a picturesque reservoir on Big Muddy Creek with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Owned and operated by the US Army, this Earth dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 1000 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 569 acre-feet and a surface area of 55 acres. The lake was completed in 1937 and is inspected by the US Army every 4 years, with a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment being not available.

With a drainage area of 16 square miles, Big Muddy Lake offers a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 30 feet, and the outlet gates are vertical lift. Despite being in moderate risk assessment category, the lake's emergency action plan was last revised in 2002, raising questions about its current readiness for potential risks. Overall, Big Muddy Lake is a hidden gem in Scotland County, providing a vital recreational resource while also posing challenges for risk management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Big Muddy Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

55

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

16

Nid Storage

569

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.