Lake Orange Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Orange Dam, located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, serves as a crucial water supply source for the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 40 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet, with a storage capacity of 1640 acre-feet. Situated on the East Fork Eno River, the dam plays a vital role in providing water to the surrounding communities, boasting a normal storage capacity of 1364 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 140 acres.

Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program, ensuring its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 deemed it satisfactory, with regular inspections scheduled every two years. While no spillway type or width is specified, the dam's maximum discharge capacity is recorded at 66 cubic feet per second, highlighting its importance in managing water flow and preventing flooding in the area.

Lake Orange Dam stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management, showcasing the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and environmental regulators to safeguard this critical infrastructure. With its significant role in water supply and conservation, the dam serves as a vital asset in ensuring the region's resilience against climate impacts and contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1100

River Or Stream

East Fork Eno River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

140

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

5850

Nid Storage

1640

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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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.