Moya-Mendez Dam Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Moya-Mendez Dam Lower, located in Mecklenburg, North Carolina, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 14.5 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, the dam serves as a significant water resource on Irwin Creek-Tr. Despite not being state-regulated, the dam has undergone inspections and is deemed to be in fair condition as of November 2018.

The dam boasts a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet and a hazard potential classified as significant. While the structure has not been modified in recent years and lacks specific details on dimensions like dam length or volume, its role in providing recreational opportunities in the area cannot be overstated. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unspecified, indicating potential areas for improvement in terms of preparedness and safety measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Moya-Mendez Dam Lower to be an intriguing case study in private dam ownership, with its focus on recreation and its location in a region prone to significant hazard potential. The structure's fair condition and lack of recent modifications raise questions about its long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. As a key feature on Irwin Creek-Tr, the dam serves as both a source of leisure and a potential area for further study on dam safety and management practices in North Carolina.

River Or Stream

Irwin Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14.5

Nid Storage

18

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.