Fairway Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Fairway Farms Dam, located in Moore County, North Carolina, serves as a vital irrigation resource along an unnamed tributary of the Deep River.


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Summary

Completed in 1985, this private earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet, providing a storage capacity of 133 acre-feet. The dam spans 700 feet in length, covering a surface area of 22.7 acres and draining a watershed area of 202 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Fairway Farms Dam underwent its last inspection in May 2012. The dam's purpose is solely for irrigation, supporting agricultural activities in the region. Managed by private owners, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps remain unreported. With a maximum discharge capacity of 336 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the infrastructure and management of Fairway Farms Dam will find a unique case study in irrigation dam operations. While the dam's primary function is clear, its regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness measures raise questions about long-term sustainability and risk management. The dam's role in supporting agricultural activities in the region highlights the importance of balancing water resource utilization with environmental conservation efforts.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

700

River Or Stream

Unnam. Trib. Deep River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22.7

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

202

Nid Storage

133

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.