Maple Lane Fish Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maple Lane Fish Pond Dam in Hickory, North Carolina, is a privately-owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on UT to Drowning Creek (WS-IV), the dam stands at a structural height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 14.5 feet. It boasts a storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres, serving as a popular spot for fishing and leisure activities.

Despite its recreational appeal, Maple Lane Fish Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been rated in poor condition during its latest assessment in February 2021. With an inspection frequency of 2 years, the dam's maintenance and safety are closely monitored by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program. The dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and falls under high-risk management due to its condition and hazard potential.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Maple Lane Fish Pond Dam are crucial to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability. With its location in a high-risk area and poor condition assessment, efforts to improve the dam's safety measures and emergency preparedness are essential to mitigate potential risks and protect the surrounding community and environment.

Dam Length

450

River Or Stream

UT to Drowning Creek (WS-IV)

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

14.5

Drainage Area

90

Nid Storage

36

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
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.