Mccorkle Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mccorkle Lake Dam, located in Henry River, Burke, North Carolina, is a privately owned Earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1977 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This dam stands at a structural height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet, serving as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities in its 1.5-acre surface area reservoir. The dam is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and significant hazard potential are managed effectively.

Owned by a private entity, Mccorkle Lake Dam is situated on Cub Creek-Os and falls under the jurisdiction of the NCDEQ, Department of Energy and Mineral Resources, Dam Safety Program. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates contribute to its moderate risk assessment level, prompting a biennial inspection frequency to maintain its integrity and safety standards. Although the dam's condition is currently assessed as fair, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unspecified, indicating potential areas for improvement in mitigating risks and ensuring swift response in case of emergencies. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mccorkle Lake Dam presents a captivating case study on the intersection of recreational infrastructure, environmental regulation, and risk management in safeguarding water resources for sustainable use and enjoyment.

Year Completed

1977

River Or Stream

Cub Creek-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

44

Nid Storage

16

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.