Irwin Creek Overflow Lagoon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Irwin Creek Overflow Lagoon, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a significant earth dam structure with a hydraulic height of 25.5 feet and a structural height of 22 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 2001, this lagoon serves as a vital resource for managing overflow from the Irwin Creek-Os river or stream. With a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.4 acres, the lagoon plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and mitigating flood risks in the area.

Owned by the local government and inspected regularly, the Irwin Creek Overflow Lagoon has been assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2020. While it is not state-regulated or permitted, the lagoon meets the necessary safety standards and has a significant hazard potential due to its size and function. Despite not having a state jurisdiction or enforcement agency, the lagoon operates effectively to fulfill its primary purpose and contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in Mecklenburg County.

The Irwin Creek Overflow Lagoon stands as a key infrastructure project in the region, designed to control water levels and protect surrounding areas from potential flooding. With a solid construction history and a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet, this earth dam structure provides essential support for water resource and climate enthusiasts. By maintaining an adequate storage volume and surface area, this lagoon plays a vital role in safeguarding the community against flood risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices in the area.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

1890

River Or Stream

Irwin Creek-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.4

Hydraulic Height

25.5

Nid Storage

104

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.