Fox Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fox Dam, located in Farmer, North Carolina, is a private earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 22.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 17.9 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a normal storage of 36 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 95 square miles, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in fair condition as of February 2021.

Managed by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Fox Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam, situated on Back Creek-Tributary, offers a surface area of 4.5 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 170 cubic feet per second. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam is regularly inspected every two years to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and downstream areas.

With a risk management plan yet to be assigned, Fox Dam remains a key recreational resource in Randolph County, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Fox Dam to be an intriguing case study in dam safety and regulation, showcasing the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks associated with aging infrastructure.

Dam Length

272

River Or Stream

Back Ck-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Hydraulic Height

17.9

Drainage Area

95

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

22.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
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.