Messick Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Messick Lake Dam, located in High Rock, North Carolina, serves primarily for irrigation purposes and is privately owned.


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Summary

The dam, an earth-type structure, stands at a hydraulic height of 18 feet with a structural height of 24 feet. It has a storage capacity of 19 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 14.3 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres. The dam is associated with Blacks Creek-Tr and is under the jurisdiction of FORSY-042 in Forsyth County.

Despite not being state-regulated, Messick Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in November 2020. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and there are no outlet gates or locks associated with it. The inspection frequency is reported as 0, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared for this structure.

In conclusion, Messick Lake Dam stands as a vital irrigation resource in North Carolina, yet faces significant hazard potential and lacks a current condition assessment. With its unique location and purpose, this dam serves as a crucial water resource for the region but requires further evaluation and potential risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of climate challenges.

Dam Length

243

River Or Stream

Blacks Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

19

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

24
       
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.