Marimont Upper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Marimont Upper Dam, located in McDowell County, North Carolina, stands as a vital structure along Muddy Creek.


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Summary

This private dam, owned by a private entity, serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 18 feet, this earth-type dam spans 256 feet in length and boasts a storage capacity of 14 acre-feet.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2014, Marimont Upper Dam poses a significant hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place to safeguard against potential risks. As a result, the dam's emergency action plan, risk assessment, and management measures are crucial aspects to consider for both the dam's operators and local authorities.

For those interested in water resources and climate resilience, Marimont Upper Dam serves as a valuable case study in balancing recreational benefits with safety and environmental considerations. With its serene location, architectural design, and regulatory oversight, this dam exemplifies the intersection between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

256

River Or Stream

Muddy Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

14

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.