Davis Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Davis Lake Dam, located in Guilford, North Carolina, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the Tributary East Fork Deep River.


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Summary

Completed in 1993, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15 feet, providing essential protection to the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 138 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1,235 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating the potential impact of flooding events.

Maintained and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Davis Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently rated as fair, indicating that necessary maintenance and risk management measures are in place. With a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 4,944 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a key role in safeguarding the local community from potential flood risks.

The dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction is complemented by its secondary function of debris control, highlighting its multi-faceted importance in water resource management. As part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood risk management strategy, Davis Lake Dam stands as a critical infrastructure asset, supported by local government ownership and oversight. With its strategic location in Jamestown and proximity to the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam represents a collaborative effort to enhance climate resilience and protect the surrounding environment from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

380

River Or Stream

Trib. East Fork Deep River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

1235

Nid Storage

310

Structural Height

25.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.