Oakdale Cotten Mills Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oakdale Cotten Mills Dam, located on the Deep River in Randleman, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

The dam is made of stone and has a hydraulic height of 22.5 feet, with a structural height of 23.8 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 108 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 114 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 42,096 acres.

The dam, with a length of 237 feet, was last inspected in January 2015 and was deemed to have a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition. The inspection frequency is every 5 years and the dam is regulated and permitted by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and maintaining the environmental balance in the area.

With its picturesque location and important role in the local ecosystem, Oakdale Cotten Mills Dam stands as a significant structure along the Deep River. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the careful management of this dam by the state regulatory agency to ensure its safety and functionality for both recreational and environmental purposes.

Dam Length

237

River Or Stream

Deep River

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

22.5

Drainage Area

42096

Nid Storage

114

Structural Height

23.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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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.