N. Durham Quarry East Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The N.
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Summary
Durham Quarry East Dam, located in Durham, North Carolina, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along Buffalo Creek and N. Fork Little River. This private dam, with a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, plays a vital role in mitigating potential flooding in the area. With a hazard potential rated as high, the dam's condition assessment as of August 2016 was deemed satisfactory, ensuring its effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding communities.
Managed by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, the N. Durham Quarry East Dam undergoes regular inspections to maintain its structural integrity and functionality. With a storage capacity of 134 acre-feet and a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this earth-type dam remains a critical component of the region's water resource infrastructure. Despite lacking specific information on its construction year and drainage area, the dam's importance in managing water flow and protecting against potential inundation is evident.
While specifics such as dam volume and surface area are not provided, the N. Durham Quarry East Dam's role in flood risk reduction cannot be understated. Its satisfactory condition, coupled with regular inspections and state regulation, underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of this essential water resource structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like N. Durham Quarry East Dam in safeguarding communities against flooding highlights the intersection of water management, infrastructure, and environmental resilience.
River Or Stream |
Buffalo Ck, N. Fork Little Riv |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
134 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
N. Durham Quarry East Dam