Muddy Creek Dam #8 (Nebo) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Muddy Creek Dam #8 (Nebo) is a local government-owned earth dam located in McDowell, North Carolina, near the city of Morganton.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this dam on Thompson Creek serves primarily for flood risk reduction. Standing at a structural height of 62 feet and a hydraulic height of 30.5 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet and a normal storage of 84 acre-feet. With a spillway type of uncontrolled, the dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as per the last inspection in April 2018.

The dam's design by the USDA NRCS and regulation by the NCDEQ's Dam Safety Program ensure that it meets state permitting and inspection requirements. While the risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, with a rating of 3, the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in December 2015, and the dam is currently without inundation maps or updated emergency contacts. Despite its high hazard potential, Muddy Creek Dam #8 (Nebo) remains a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, managed and maintained to meet state regulatory standards.

Located in a strategic position for water resource management, Muddy Creek Dam #8 (Nebo) plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding areas from flooding. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam's operational features include uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates. The risk management measures for the dam are not specified, but with a satisfactory condition assessment and regular inspections, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and regulatory efforts that go into ensuring the safety and functionality of Muddy Creek Dam #8 (Nebo) for flood risk reduction in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

565

River Or Stream

Thompson Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

30.5

Nid Storage

250

Structural Height

62

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

62
       
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.