Cobb Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Cobb Lake Dam, located in Macon, North Carolina, serves as a crucial water resource and recreational area for the community.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected by the NCDEQ's Dam Safety Program to ensure public safety. Standing at a structural height of 23.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 21.7 feet, the dam impounds Matlock Creek to create a serene 16-acre lake that offers recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

The primary purpose of Cobb Lake Dam is recreation, reflecting its importance as a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in February 2019. With a normal storage capacity of 12 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 16 acre-feet, the dam provides essential water storage for the surrounding area while also offering a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Cobb Lake Dam's presence on Matlock Creek not only contributes to the region's water resources but also enhances the local environment with its surface area of 2 acres. As a key feature in Macon's landscape, the dam underscores the importance of proper maintenance and regulation to ensure its continued function and safety for both recreational and practical purposes.

Dam Length

225

River Or Stream

Matlock Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

21.7

Nid Storage

16

Structural Height

23.5

Hazard Potential

High

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.