Stratford Lake Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Stratford Lake Dam #2, also known as Lake Kent, is a privately owned earth dam located in Durham, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1959, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 6 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. With a structural height of 20 feet and a length of 240 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and contributing to the overall enjoyment of outdoor activities for visitors.

Owned by a private entity, this dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring its compliance with state regulations and enforcement measures. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the condition assessment conducted in March 2019 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition. The dam poses a maximum discharge of 3 cubic feet per second and is located along Third Fork Creek-Tr in Farrington, providing a critical barrier for flood control and water storage.

With its serene surroundings and recreational opportunities, Stratford Lake Dam #2 stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate enthusiasts alike. As a significant feature in the landscape of Durham County, North Carolina, this dam continues to serve its purpose in providing water storage, flood control, and recreational enjoyment for the local community and visitors alike.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

240

River Or Stream

Third Fork Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

85

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.