Mallard Lake Dam Upper West Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mallard Lake Dam Upper West, also known as Blue Bill Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Bethania, North Carolina.


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Summary

The dam was completed in 1967 and serves primarily for recreation purposes. It stands at a structural height of 21 feet with a hydraulic height of 18 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 42 acre-feet.

Situated on Muddy Creek-Tr, the dam has a drainage area of 39 square miles and a surface area of 5 acres. With a maximum discharge capacity of 452 cubic feet per second, Mallard Lake Dam Upper West poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in November 2019. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to maintain its safety standards.

Despite its relatively small size, Mallard Lake Dam Upper West plays a vital role in the local community for recreational activities. Its picturesque location and contribution to the surrounding ecosystem make it a significant water resource worth monitoring and preserving for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors alike.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Muddy Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

39

Nid Storage

42

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.