Mckenzie Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Located in McDowell County, North Carolina, Mckenzie Lake Dam is a privately owned structure that serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife preservation.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond, this Earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 38 feet and a structural height of 41 feet, with a length of 144 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and covers an area of 1.5 acres, providing essential habitat for local fauna.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Dam Safety Program, Mckenzie Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has been assessed as having a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, as confirmed during the last inspection in January 2016. Despite its low risk profile, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting the surrounding ecosystem and recreational activities in the area.

As part of the Nashville District, Mckenzie Lake Dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region, helping to maintain a healthy balance in the local watershed. While primarily serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, the dam also offers recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy. With its strategic location near Lake Lure and tributary to Cane Branch, Mckenzie Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in preserving the natural beauty of North Carolina's landscapes.

Dam Length

144

River Or Stream

trib to Cane Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

70

Nid Storage

25

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

41
       
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.