Oxford Commons Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Oxford Commons Dam, located in Durham, North Carolina, serves as a recreational structure along the Eno River-Tr.


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Summary

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
       
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.