Mallard Lake Dam Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mallard Lake Dam Lower, also known as Canvasback Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Bethania, North Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Constructed in 1967, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 15.9 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 170 acre-feet. Situated on Muddy Creek-Tr, the dam stands at a hydraulic height of 19 feet and a structural height of 23 feet, with a length of 400 feet.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of February 2021, Mallard Lake Dam Lower presents a high hazard potential, requiring biennial inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The North Carolina Dam Safety Program oversees state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of this dam, ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines and protocols. With a drainage area of 490 acres and a normal storage capacity of 121 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Mallard Lake Dam Lower to be a fascinating example of human-engineered infrastructure supporting both recreational activities and environmental management. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, this dam serves as a vital component of the local watershed system, highlighting the importance of sustainable dam operation and maintenance practices to ensure long-term resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Muddy Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15.9

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

490

Nid Storage

170

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
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.