Marshall Retention Basin Dam
Marshall Retention Basin Dam is a concrete dam located in Catawba County, North Carolina. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Marshall Retention Basin Dam
The primary purpose of Marshall Retention Basin Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Duke Energy Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Ut To Beaverdam Creek near Lake Norman.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 465 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 6 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 12 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/16/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The North Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Catawba |
| Nearest City | Lake Norman |
| River/Stream | Ut To Beaverdam Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.59990, -80.97620 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Length | 465 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 32 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 12 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 32 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Duke Energy Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/16/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC06202 |
| Federal ID | NC06202 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |