Happy Tracks Stables Dam-Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Happy Tracks Stables Dam-Upper, also known as Upper Deep River Point Dam, is a private recreational dam located in Guilford, North Carolina.


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Summary

Situated in High Point along the East Fork Deep River, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, with a length of 455 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 480 cubic feet per second, making it a significant water management structure within a drainage area of 30 square miles.

With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment currently not rated, Happy Tracks Stables Dam-Upper serves as a vital recreational resource for the community. Despite not being regulated by the state, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The last inspection took place in December 2020, with no major concerns reported. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain unspecified, indicating a potential opportunity for further evaluation and management measures to enhance its resilience and preparedness in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource challenges.

Overall, Happy Tracks Stables Dam-Upper stands as a key private-owned structure that contributes to the recreational and water management landscape in North Carolina. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and assess the safety and effectiveness of such dams to ensure their sustainable operation and resilience in the face of evolving environmental conditions. By staying informed and engaged with the management and maintenance of dams like Happy Tracks Stables Dam-Upper, we can help safeguard our water resources and communities for the future.

Dam Length

455

River Or Stream

East Fork Deep River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.1

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

30

Nid Storage

31

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.