Hogan Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hogan Farms Dam, also known as Lake Hogan Dam, is a private dam located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, along Bolin Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1929 for recreation purposes, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 18 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13 feet. With a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a normal storage of 51 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 17 acres and serves a drainage area of 906 square miles.

The dam has been inspected regularly by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, with the last assessment conducted in December 2019, revealing a satisfactory condition. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has met safety guidelines and has an emergency action plan in place. While no spillway type or outlet gates are specified, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the local community while effectively managing water resources in the area.

Hogan Farms Dam serves as a vital structure in Orange County, ensuring water storage and flood control along Bolin Creek. Managed by a private owner, the dam has been regulated and permitted by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. With its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, Hogan Farms Dam remains a noteworthy landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

375

River Or Stream

Bolin Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

906

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.