Marshall Holding Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marshall Holding Basin Dam in Catawba, North Carolina, is a concrete structure primarily designed for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This dam, with a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a length of 520 feet, serves as a crucial element in the state's regulatory framework, overseen by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory, with the last inspection conducted in June 2020.

Owned by a Public Utility, Marshall Holding Basin Dam stores approximately 44 acre-feet of water, providing essential flood mitigation benefits to the surrounding areas. While the dam's last Emergency Action Plan (EAP) review took place in August 2019, the structure continues to meet regulatory guidelines. The dam's location at 35.6015° N, -80.9785° W underscores its strategic importance in managing water resources and climate-related risks in the region.

With its critical role in flood risk reduction and the satisfactory condition assessment, Marshall Holding Basin Dam stands as a key asset in North Carolina's water infrastructure. As a vital link in the state's regulatory system, the dam demonstrates the commitment to ensuring public safety and effective water resource management in the face of changing climate dynamics. The ongoing inspections and adherence to regulatory standards underscore the dedication to maintaining the dam's integrity and safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential hazards.

Dam Length

520

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

44

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
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.