Mckeithan Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mckeithan Lake Dam, located in Pinebluff, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves as a vital resource for managing water flow along the Drowning Creek-Tr river system.


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Summary

With a height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 11 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in regulating water levels and providing flood protection to the surrounding area. The dam has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 30 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 9 acres.

Maintained and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources Dam Safety Program, Mckeithan Lake Dam has a hazard potential classified as "High" and a current condition assessment of "Fair". The dam is subject to regular inspections, with the most recent assessment conducted in July 2020. Despite its age and potential risks, the dam has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition for now, ensuring continued protection for the local community and environment. As a key component of the water management infrastructure in Moore County, this dam highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Drowning Ck-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

156

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
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.