Oka T Hester Park Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pine Lake Dam Lakeview Farm Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Oka T Hester Park Lake Dam, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a crucial water resource for the community, serving primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The dam is owned by the local government and is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a hydraulic height of 21.3 feet and a structural height of 28.2 feet, the dam plays a significant role in managing the flow of South Buffalo Creek-Tr, providing a surface area of 8.4 acres for recreational activities.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Oka T Hester Park Lake Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in terms of its condition, with the last inspection conducted in November 2017. The dam has a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and a drainage area of 99 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 555 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its emergency action plan and risk assessment measures are yet to be fully developed, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preparedness in the face of potential climate-related challenges.
Overall, Oka T Hester Park Lake Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for both water resource management and recreational purposes in Guilford County. As climate change continues to pose threats to the stability of such structures, ongoing inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness are crucial to ensure the safety and resilience of the dam for the community it serves.
Dam Length |
645 |
River Or Stream |
South Buffalo Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
21.3 |
Drainage Area |
99 |
Nid Storage |
115 |
Structural Height |
28.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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