Marsh Wood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marsh Wood Lake Dam, located in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, is a private dam primarily used for recreation on Willis Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1964, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet, with a length of 500 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 123 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 148 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 8 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Marsh Wood Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam undergoes regular inspections every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in November 2016. Although there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam serves as a crucial recreational resource in the area, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy the picturesque surroundings and activities available at the lake.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan status remains undisclosed. However, with its sound risk management measures and compliance with regulatory guidelines, Marsh Wood Lake Dam continues to provide a safe and enjoyable recreational experience for visitors while contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Willis Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

148

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.