Odom Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Guilford County, North Carolina, the Odom Dam, also known as Offutt Dam, stands as a vital structure along the Haw River-Tr.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene escape in the city of Summerfield. With a hydraulic height of 17 feet and a structural height of 23 feet, the dam boasts a length of 270 feet and a storage capacity of 36 acre-feet.

The dam, under the regulatory oversight of the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, is inspected biennially to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. Despite its fair condition assessment as of February 2020, the dam carries a high hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. The surrounding area boasts a surface area of 3 acres and a drainage area of 123 square miles, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the dam's functionality.

As a key feature in the region's water resource management, Odom Dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage. Its significance extends beyond its recreational appeal, highlighting the intersection of human infrastructure with natural resources in the face of climate variability. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Odom Dam a fascinating subject for study and appreciation.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

270

River Or Stream

Haw River-Tr

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

123

Nid Storage

36

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
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.