Kildaire Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kildaire Farms Dam, located in Cary, North Carolina, serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community.


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Summary

Completed in 1985, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 22 feet and has a hydraulic height of 17.5 feet. With a storage capacity of 420 acre-feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a normal storage level of 180 acre-feet and a surface area of 30 acres. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering residents a picturesque spot for leisure activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking.

Managed by a private owner, Kildaire Farms Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam is maintained to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of February 2021 was rated as satisfactory. Regular inspections are conducted every two years to monitor the dam's structural integrity and overall safety.

Swift Creek-Tr, the river or stream impounded by Kildaire Farms Dam, contributes to the dam's drainage area of 1,340 acres. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 825 cubic feet per second, providing flood protection for the surrounding area. With its strategic location and essential role in water resource management, Kildaire Farms Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure for both recreation and climate resilience in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Swift Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

17.5

Drainage Area

1340

Nid Storage

420

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.