Zenina Lakes-Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Zenina Lakes-Lower is a private recreational dam located in Marshall, North Carolina, within the beautiful surroundings of Madison County.


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Summary

The dam, with a hydraulic height of 25.2 feet and a structural height of 31 feet, was completed with the primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in May 2013 was rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and repairs to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.

The dam has a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 12 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.5 acres. While the dam is not state regulated or permitted, it undergoes regular inspections to assess its condition and safety. The last inspection in May 2013 highlighted the need for improvements, suggesting that the dam may require additional measures to meet guidelines for emergency action plans and risk management. With its location on the Panhandle Branch and its crucial role in providing recreational amenities to the community, ensuring the proper maintenance and upkeep of Zenina Lakes-Lower is essential for both water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate the importance of sustainable water infrastructure.

Dam Length

225

River Or Stream

Panhandle Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

25.2

Nid Storage

18

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.