Foster Sikes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Foster Sikes Dam, located in Guilford, North Carolina, on Big Alamance Creek-Tr, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

The dam has a hydraulic height of 22.6 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, with a total length of 438 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 89 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 7.7 acres. The dam poses a high hazard potential but has been assessed as being in fair condition as of February 2020.

Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Foster Sikes Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has a history of periodic inspections, with the last one conducted in February 2020. With a hazard potential rating of high, it is crucial for the dam owner to ensure proper maintenance and emergency preparedness measures are in place to mitigate any risks associated with the dam.

Despite its high hazard potential, Foster Sikes Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the local community in Alamance. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the balance between the dam's essential functions for water management and its role in offering recreational activities. As efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam continue, the surrounding area benefits from the beauty and tranquility that the dam and its reservoir provide.

Dam Length

438

River Or Stream

Big Alamance Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.7

Hydraulic Height

22.6

Drainage Area

118

Nid Storage

89

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

29
       
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.