Strayhorn Dam #2 dam
Strayhorn Dam #2
Strayhorn Dam #2, located in Orange County, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes. The dam, with a hydraulic height of 20.5 feet and a structural height of 23.5 feet, has a normal storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. With a surface area of 9.1 acres and a drainage area of 230 square miles, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in fair condition as of December 2019.
This dam on Stony Creek-Tr serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. The dam is state regulated and permitted, with inspections conducted regularly by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Although the dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion, its emergency action plan and risk management measures are areas that warrant further attention and development to enhance safety protocols and preparedness for potential emergencies.
With its picturesque location and important role in providing recreational opportunities, Strayhorn Dam #2 is a vital asset in Orange County's water resource infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is crucial for dam owners and regulatory agencies to prioritize the maintenance and safety of such structures to mitigate risks and ensure the sustainable use of water for future generations. By implementing proactive measures and staying vigilant in monitoring the dam's condition, stakeholders can uphold the dam's function while safeguarding the surrounding environment and communities from potential hazards.
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 Strayhorn Dam #2 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Eno River At Hillsborough | 6 cfs | → |
| Morgan Creek Near White Cross | 0 cfs | → |
| Eno River Near Durham | 14 cfs | → |
| Cane Creek Near Orange Grove | 0 cfs | → |
| Morgan Creek Near Chapel Hill | 5 cfs | → |
| Little River At Sr1461 Near Orange Factory | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Strayhorn Dam #2.
Boat launches
- Dimmocks Mill Road 920, Town Of Hillsborough
- Rodolphe Street 6122, Durham
- Hickory Hill Boat Ramp
- Lakeview Drive Alamance County
- Ferrington Boat Ramp, Chapel Hill
- Haw River Trail Alamance County
Campgrounds
- Redwood Campsite
- Rolling View - Falls Lake
- Parkers Creek State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
- Crosswinds State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
- Poplar Point State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
- William B. Umstead State Park
Fishing spots
Track Strayhorn Dam #2 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 Strayhorn Dam #2
Where does the data for Strayhorn Dam #2 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 High 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 Strayhorn Dam #2.