The Oxford Commons Dam, located in Durham, North Carolina, serves as a recreational structure along the Eno River-Tr.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1990, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a structural height of 21 feet, with a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 24 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam holds a high hazard potential and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.
Owned by a private entity, the Oxford Commons Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's last inspection in February 2021 deemed its condition as satisfactory, with an inspection frequency of every 2 years. While no emergency action plan or inundation maps have been reported, the dam's risk assessment and management measures remain undisclosed.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Oxford Commons Dam presents an intriguing case study on the management of privately-owned dams for recreational purposes. With its location in a high-risk area, the dam's structural integrity and regulatory oversight play crucial roles in safeguarding both the environment and public safety. As the dam continues to be monitored and assessed, its significance in the broader context of water resource management and climate resilience becomes increasingly apparent.
Year Completed |
1990 |
River Or Stream |
Eno River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
24 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
21 |