Griffith Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Griffith Dam #1, located in Mecklenburg, North Carolina, along the Mallard Creek-Tr River, was completed in 1958 and is privately owned for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a structural height of 32 feet with a hydraulic height of 29 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 106 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 234 acre-feet. The dam's surface area covers 19.2 acres and serves a drainage area of 237 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 587 cubic feet per second.

Despite being privately owned, Griffith Dam #1 is subject to state regulation and inspection by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam has a high hazard potential but was assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of December 2019. Emergency action plans are in place, although details on their preparation and adherence to guidelines are unclear. Griffith Dam #1 remains a significant water resource structure in the region, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water management functions within the state's regulatory framework.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

224

River Or Stream

Mallard Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.2

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

237

Nid Storage

234

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

32
       
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.