Darr Dam dam
Darr Dam
Darr Dam, located in Randolph County, North Carolina, along the Uwharrie River, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes. The dam, classified as an Earth type, stands at a hydraulic height of 23.6 feet and a structural height of 26.3 feet, with a total length of 370 feet. It has a capacity for 32.5 acre-feet of storage, with a normal storage level of 30 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.3 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2013, Darr Dam does not fall under state regulation or jurisdiction. It is not subject to state permitting or enforcement, although regular inspections are conducted. The dam has not undergone significant modifications since its completion, and there are no associated structures or outlet gates. The last inspection in 2013 found the dam to be in a satisfactory state, but with no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared or updated.
While Darr Dam may not be a major water resource or climate concern at present, its role in providing recreational opportunities and its impact on the Uwharrie River ecosystem remain important aspects for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor. The dam's location and design make it a notable feature within the region, highlighting the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems. Continued oversight and potential updates to emergency preparedness measures could further enhance the safety and sustainability of Darr Dam in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource management challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Darr Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Fork Deep River Near High Point | 2 cfs | → |
| South Buffalo Creek Nr Pomona | 1 cfs | → |
| Ryan Creek Below Us 220 At Greensboro | 0 cfs | → |
| South Buffalo Creek At Us 220 At Greensboro | 1 cfs | → |
| Abbotts Creek At Lexington | 32 cfs | → |
| N Buffalo Cr At Westover Terrace At Greensboro | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Darr Dam.
Boat launches
- Lake Thom-A-Lex Park
- Wildlife Rec Area Access Road 899, Davidson County
- Belews Lake Drive 8191, Belews Creek
- Trading Ford Way Davidson County
- Homeview Road Burlington
- Nc Highway 801 South 5877, Mocksville
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Headwaters 1 Mile Above Montgomery County Line To Confluence With Uwharrie River
- Headwaters South Of High Point And Guilford County Line To Confluence With Pee Dee River
More reservoirs
Track Darr Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Darr Dam
Where does the data for Darr Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Darr Dam.