Maready Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maready Lake Dam, located in Forsyth, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 20.7 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. The dam is situated along the Muddy Creek, offering a serene setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program under the NCDEQ, DEMLR, Maready Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the most recent inspection in March 2021. Despite its modest size, the dam serves as a valuable resource for the local community, providing a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and contributing to the overall environmental and recreational well-being of the area.

With a surface area of 11 acres and a drainage area of 985 acres, Maready Lake Dam serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation while also playing a key role in flood control and water management in the region. As part of the Wilmington District of the USACE, the dam represents a harmonious blend of human intervention and natural landscapes, offering a glimpse into the intricate balance between water resources and climate resilience. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Maready Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices and the preservation of natural habitats for future generations to enjoy.

Dam Length

460

River Or Stream

Muddy Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

20.7

Drainage Area

985

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.