N. Durham Quarry West Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

Durham Quarry West Dam, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam designed for flood risk reduction along Buffalo Creek and the North Fork Little River. This dam stands at a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 83 acre-feet to mitigate potential flood hazards in the area. Despite being last inspected in May 2008 and deemed to have a high hazard potential, the dam's condition was reported as satisfactory at that time.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, N. Durham Quarry West Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. While the dam currently meets guidelines for emergency action plans and inundation maps, further risk assessments and management measures may be necessary to address any potential vulnerabilities and enhance its resilience in the face of climate change impacts. With a notable hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of 2008, continued monitoring and maintenance of this crucial flood risk reduction infrastructure are essential to safeguard the surrounding community and water resources in the region.

River Or Stream

Buffalo Ck, N. Fork Little Riv

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

83

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

16
       
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.