Marshall Retention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Marshall Retention Basin Dam in North Carolina serves as a crucial piece of infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Catawba County.


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Summary

This concrete dam stands at a hydraulic height of 22 feet and spans a length of 465 feet, with a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.

Despite its high hazard potential, the Marshall Retention Basin Dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in June 2020. Emergency action plans are in place, and regular inspections are conducted to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. As a public utility structure, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting surrounding communities from potential flooding events. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of this dam in safeguarding the region against natural disasters and the impacts of changing environmental conditions.

With its strategic location and purposeful design, the Marshall Retention Basin Dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction measures in North Carolina. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resource management, structures like this play a vital role in safeguarding communities and infrastructure. The dedication to maintaining and regulating the dam underscores the commitment to protecting the environment and residents in the area, making it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate.

Dam Length

465

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

12

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.