Dairy Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dairy Pond Dam, located in Durham, North Carolina, serves as a crucial recreational resource along the Eno River.


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Summary

With a structural height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 13 feet, this earth dam holds a storage capacity of 31.2 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.6 acres. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, providing a serene and picturesque environment for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of February 2020, Dairy Pond Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The North Carolina Dam Safety Program oversees the regulation, inspection, and enforcement of this privately owned dam to ensure its safe operation. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in 2008, highlighting the need for updated preparedness measures in case of a potential hazard.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the significance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Dairy Pond Dam becomes increasingly vital. With its proximity to the Eno River and surrounding natural habitats, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts, making it a key focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Dam Length

242

River Or Stream

Eno River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

52

Nid Storage

31.2

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
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.