Marshall Active Ash Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marshall Active Ash Basin Dam, located in Mount Holly, North Carolina, is a crucial structure for managing water resources in the area.


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Summary

The dam was completed in 1962 and stands at a hydraulic height of 30 feet with a structural height of 40 feet. With a storage capacity of 1605 acre-feet and a surface area of 139.6 acres, the dam plays a significant role in regulating water flow in Lake Norman.

Owned by a public utility, Marshall Active Ash Basin Dam is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality and the Dam Safety Program. The dam is classified as a high hazard potential structure, but its condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in June 2020. With a history of meeting regulatory requirements and a comprehensive emergency action plan, the dam is well-prepared to manage any potential risks associated with its operation.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Marshall Active Ash Basin Dam represents a critical piece of infrastructure in the Catawba region. As a vital component in the local water management system, the dam serves multiple purposes beyond flood control, demonstrating the importance of sustainable dam operations in ensuring the resilience of water resources in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

2600

River Or Stream

Lake Norman

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

139.6

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

1605

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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.