Buffalo Ranch Lake Dam, located in Cabarrus, North Carolina, is a private dam primarily used for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1956, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 15 feet and has a hydraulic height of 9 feet. The dam spans a length of 480 feet and has a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 11.3 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Buffalo Ranch Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair as of the last inspection in February 2021. With a drainage area of 64 square miles and a maximum discharge of 50 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Cold Water Creek-Tr watershed.
As a key feature in the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo Ranch Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational destination in the region. With its scenic location in Faggerts and proximity to the Cold Water Creek-Tr river, the dam provides both local residents and visitors with opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Buffalo Ranch Lake Dam an intriguing example of how dams contribute to both recreation and watershed management in North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
480 |
River Or Stream |
Cold Water Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
64 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
15 |