Cox Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cox Dam, located in Gaston, North Carolina, is a privately owned Earth dam constructed in 1952 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

It stands at a structural height of 14.7 feet with a hydraulic height of 11.5 feet, impounding Dutchmans Creek-Tr to create a surface area of 6 acres. The dam has a storage capacity of 37 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate, though specific details on dam volume and drainage area are not provided.

Despite its recreational primary purpose, Cox Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in January 2021. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, which oversees state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a designated emergency action plan frequency of every two years, Cox Dam is closely monitored to ensure public safety in case of any potential risks or incidents. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of recreational infrastructure and dam safety may find Cox Dam a compelling case study in the complexities of managing and maintaining water resources for both human enjoyment and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

364

River Or Stream

Dutchmans Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

11.5

Nid Storage

37

Structural Height

14.7

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.