Robert Mckinney Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Robert Mckinney Dam in Glenwood, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure completed in 1985 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated along the Bledsoe Branch river, this earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 29 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18 feet. With a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 7.8 acres, the dam provides essential recreational opportunities for the local community.

The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards. Although last inspected in May 2014, the dam's condition was reported as satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential. Despite lacking specific spillway details or drainage area information, the Robert Mckinney Dam remains a critical asset for water resource management and climate enthusiasts in McDowell County.

For those interested in water resource preservation and climate resilience, the Robert Mckinney Dam serves as a significant landmark in North Carolina's dam infrastructure. With its recreational focus and state-regulated operations, this dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage. As a privately owned structure, its maintenance and safety standards are overseen by state regulatory agencies, ensuring its continued function for both recreational and water management purposes in the region.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

150

River Or Stream

Bledsoe Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.8

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

118

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

29
       
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.