Quail Roost Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Quail Roost Lake Dam #1, located in Orange Factory, Durham, North Carolina, stands as a testament to the importance of water resources in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1950 for recreation purposes, this earth dam on Mountain Creek boasts a structural height of 22 feet and a hydraulic height of 18 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 43 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 52 acre-feet, the dam serves as a vital resource for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond activities in the region.

Despite being privately owned, Quail Roost Lake Dam #1 undergoes regular state inspections, ensuring its operational efficiency and safety. Classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam has not been formally rated for its condition. However, it remains an essential component of the local landscape, offering a serene 4-acre surface area for recreational activities. With a maximum discharge capacity of 40 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and ensuring stability in the surrounding environment.

As a focal point for water enthusiasts and climate advocates, Quail Roost Lake Dam #1 represents a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and natural resource management. Its historical significance, coupled with its functional utility for recreation and water storage, makes it a valuable asset in the region. With ongoing state inspections and a commitment to safety, the dam continues to play a vital role in the local ecosystem, highlighting the interconnectedness of water resources and climate resilience in Durham, North Carolina.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

255

River Or Stream

Mountain Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
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.