Lower Zoo Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Zoo Dam, located in Randolph, North Carolina, serves as a vital water resource for irrigation and recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1978, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 21.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 16.3 feet, with a capacity to store 137 acre-feet of water. The dam is situated on Panther Creek-Tr and is under the jurisdiction of the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its integrity.

Despite being rated as having a high hazard potential, Lower Zoo Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in March 2020. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres. It is equipped with a spillway, although specific details on its type and width are not provided in the data. With the primary purpose of supporting irrigation, Lower Zoo Dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region.

As a popular spot for recreational activities, Lower Zoo Dam not only provides essential water resources but also offers a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, this dam stands as a key infrastructure element in ensuring water security and leisure opportunities for the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

860

River Or Stream

Panther Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

16.3

Nid Storage

137

Structural Height

21.5

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.