Murrays Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Elmore Lake Dam Piney Grove Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Murrays Mill Pond Dam, located in Catawba, North Carolina, stands as a historic structure with a rich legacy dating back to its completion in 1911.
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Summary
This private arch dam on Ball Creek serves as a vital water resource in the region, providing a normal storage capacity of 235 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 313 acre-feet. With a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 28 feet, the dam boasts a length of 250 feet and covers a surface area of 21 acres, all within a drainage area of 4,288 acres.
Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Murrays Mill Pond Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, with a fair condition assessment as of November 2019. While no emergency action plan (EAP) has been reported, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to monitor its condition and readiness for any potential risks or emergencies. Overall, Murrays Mill Pond Dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible dam management in safeguarding water resources and communities against potential hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Murrays Mill Pond Dam presents a fascinating case study in dam engineering and management. Its historical significance, coupled with its impact on the local ecosystem and water supply, highlights the critical role that dams play in shaping landscapes and supporting human activities. As efforts continue to ensure the dam's safety and compliance with regulations, Murrays Mill Pond Dam stands as a symbol of responsible water resource management in North Carolina, serving as a reminder of the importance of balancing water needs with environmental stewardship in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
250 |
River Or Stream |
Ball Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Arch |
Surface Area |
21 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
4288 |
Nid Storage |
313 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Murrays Mill Pond Dam