Cox Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cox Lake Dam, located in Donnoha, Stokes, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam spans 225 feet in length and has a hydraulic height of 24 feet, providing a surface area of 2.8 acres for recreational activities. The dam is situated on the Little Yadkin River-Tr and is under the jurisdiction of the Huntington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its low hazard potential, Cox Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in January 2016. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 27 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 33 acre-feet. It also has a drainage area of 64 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 350 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not undergone any recent modifications, it is subject to periodic inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Cox Lake Dam intriguing for its role in providing recreational opportunities in the region while also serving as a vital infrastructure for water management. The dam's location on the Little Yadkin River-Tr offers a picturesque setting for outdoor activities, attracting visitors to enjoy the serene waters and surrounding natural beauty. As stakeholders continue to monitor and maintain the dam's condition, ensuring its resilience to potential risks and hazards remains a priority for sustainable water resource management in the area.

Dam Length

225

River Or Stream

Little Yadkin River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

64

Nid Storage

33

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
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.