Martin Marietta Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Martin Marietta Dam, located in Wake, North Carolina, is a key irrigation structure along the Big Branch-Tr river.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, the dam provides essential water storage with a normal capacity of 26 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 51 acre-feet. Its earth construction spans 230 feet in length, covering a surface area of 5 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Martin Marietta Dam has not been rated for its condition since November 2013. While the dam is inspected regularly, its overall condition assessment remains pending. The dam's emergency action plan status is unknown, highlighting the need for updated risk management measures and guidelines to ensure the safety and integrity of this critical water resource infrastructure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Martin Marietta Dam to be a fascinating structure, providing essential irrigation support in North Carolina. As efforts to address climate change intensify, the need for robust risk assessment and management measures for dams like Martin Marietta becomes increasingly urgent to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure sustainable water resource management for the future.

Dam Length

230

River Or Stream

Big Branch-Tr

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

51

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.