University Lake Dam dam
University Lake Dam
University Lake Dam, located in Carrboro, North Carolina, is a crucial water supply infrastructure that serves the region. Built in 1932, this earth dam stands at a height of 38.9 feet with a hydraulic height of 31.4 feet, providing a storage capacity of 4,836 acre-feet for water from the Morgan Creek. The dam plays a vital role in managing the water resources of the area, with a normal storage capacity of 4,030 acre-feet and a surface area of 213 acres.
Managed by the Local Government, University Lake Dam is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets all state safety and inspection requirements. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in February 2020. With a history of regular inspections and a designated Emergency Action Plan, the dam is well-prepared for any potential risks or emergencies.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, University Lake Dam presents a fascinating case study in water supply infrastructure management. Its location in the picturesque Orange County, North Carolina, offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of water resource management, dam safety regulations, and emergency preparedness in a dynamic and evolving environment. As an essential piece of the region's water supply network, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around University Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan Creek Near White Cross | 0 cfs | → |
| Morgan Creek Near Chapel Hill | 6 cfs | → |
| New Hope Creek Near Blands | 11 cfs | → |
| Cane Creek Near Orange Grove | 0 cfs | → |
| Haw River Near Bynum | 118 cfs | → |
| Northeast Creek At Sr1100 Nr Genlee | 8 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near University Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Ferrington Boat Ramp, Chapel Hill
- Dimmocks Mill Road 920, Town Of Hillsborough
- Hanks Chapel Road 2765, Town Of Pittsboro
- Lakeview Drive Alamance County
- Lake Trail Wake County
- Haw River Trail Alamance County
Campgrounds
- Parkers Creek State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
- Crosswinds State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
- Poplar Point State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Redwood Campsite
- Rolling View - Falls Lake
Fishing spots
Track University Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About University Lake Dam
Where does the data for University Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of University Lake Dam.