Marion Manufacturing Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Marion, North Carolina, the Marion Manufacturing Dam is a private structure regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this concrete dam stands at a structural height of 36.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 33 feet, providing a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet. The dam also boasts a hazard potential of "High" but has been assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in March 2018.

Situated on a tributary to Young's Fork, the Marion Manufacturing Dam offers not only a recreational area but also serves as a vital water resource in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.5 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and supporting local ecosystems. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition is deemed satisfactory, ensuring its continued operation for both recreational and water management purposes.

The Marion Manufacturing Dam, owned by a private entity, remains a key feature in the McDowell County landscape, providing opportunities for leisure activities while fulfilling essential water resource functions. As a regulated structure with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam exemplifies responsible stewardship of water resources in North Carolina. Its presence underscores the intersection of human activity, environmental management, and climate resilience in the region.

Dam Length

85

River Or Stream

Trib to Young's Fork (Copernin

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

33

Nid Storage

20

Structural Height

36.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

37
       
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.