Oak Cliff Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Furr Dam #5 Furr Pond #6
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Oak Cliff Lake Dam, located in Georgeville, North Carolina, is a private dam primarily used for recreation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1940, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 16 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 83 acre-feet. With a surface area of 8 acres and a drainage area of 787 square miles, Oak Cliff Lake Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing recreational opportunities for the surrounding community.
Despite its age, Oak Cliff Lake Dam remains in fair condition, with a high hazard potential. Regular inspections by the NCDEQ's Dam Safety Program ensure that the dam meets state regulatory standards for safety and maintenance. The dam has a history of being well-maintained, with the last inspection conducted in February 2021. In the event of an emergency, it is important for the dam owner to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared to guide response efforts and ensure the safety of downstream communities. Overall, Oak Cliff Lake Dam serves as both a recreational asset and a critical water resource management structure in Cabarrus County.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Oak Cliff Lake Dam represents a fascinating intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship. As a privately owned dam in a state-regulated jurisdiction, it highlights the importance of balancing recreational needs with safety and regulatory compliance. With a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam continues to play a vital role in managing water flow along the Dutch Buffalo Creek-Os and providing a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Oak Cliff Lake Dam become increasingly crucial in ensuring the resilience and safety of our water infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
377 |
River Or Stream |
Dutch Buffalo Creek-Os |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
787 |
Nid Storage |
96 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Oak Cliff Lake Dam
Hartsell Park
Gibson Ball Park
Frank Liske Park