Mountain Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mountain Lake Dam, formerly known as Murray Lake Dam, is a private earth dam located in Ennice, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1973 for recreational purposes, the dam stands at a structural height of 41.4 feet and has a hydraulic height of 35 feet. With a storage capacity of 746 acre-feet, the dam impounds Crab Creek and covers a surface area of 34.1 acres, serving as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Despite its recreational appeal, Mountain Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been rated in poor condition, with the last inspection conducted in March 2021. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With a drainage area of 2,266 square miles and a maximum discharge of 119 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and highlights the importance of sustainable dam maintenance and management practices to mitigate potential risks and ensure continued safety for the surrounding community and environment.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of recreational infrastructure and environmental stewardship will find Mountain Lake Dam a fascinating case study. Its location in Alleghany County, North Carolina, and its association with Crab Creek underscore the interconnectedness of water management, natural landscapes, and human recreation. As discussions around dam safety and resilience continue to evolve, this private dam serves as a critical focal point for assessing risk, implementing regulatory measures, and promoting sustainable water resource management practices in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

350

River Or Stream

Crab Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34.1

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

2266

Nid Storage

746

Structural Height

41.4

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

41
       
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.