Occoneechee Lower Dam dam
Occoneechee Lower Dam
Located in Orange, North Carolina, Occoneechee Lower Dam is a state-regulated structure on the Eno River tributary, with a primary purpose of recreation. Standing at a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 12 feet, this earth dam stretches 125 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 5 acre-feet. The dam boasts a surface area of 0.8 acres and serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in the area.
Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Occoneechee Lower Dam has a high hazard potential but was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in December 2019. With a comprehensive emergency action plan in place, the dam ensures public safety in case of any unforeseen incidents. Additionally, the structure meets regulatory guidelines and undergoes regular inspections to maintain its condition and functionality. Local congressman David E. Price (D) represents the district where the dam is situated, highlighting the importance of water resource management in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Occoneechee Lower Dam a fascinating structure that not only provides recreational opportunities but also plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage. Its location in a scenic area along the Eno River tributary offers a peaceful retreat for visitors while showcasing the importance of sustainable dam management practices. With its significant storage capacity and state-of-the-art safety measures, the dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in North Carolina.
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 Occoneechee Lower Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Eno River At Hillsborough | 7 cfs | → |
| Cane Creek Near Orange Grove | 0 cfs | → |
| Morgan Creek Near White Cross | 0 cfs | → |
| Eno River Near Durham | 17 cfs | → |
| Little River At Sr1461 Near Orange Factory | 3 cfs | → |
| Morgan Creek Near Chapel Hill | 7 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Occoneechee Lower Dam.
Boat launches
- Dimmocks Mill Road 920, Town Of Hillsborough
- Lakeview Drive Alamance County
- Graham Paddle Access Graham
- Haw River Trail Alamance County
- Haw River Trail Haw River
- Rodolphe Street 6122, Durham
Campgrounds
- Redwood Campsite
- Parkers Creek State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
- Rolling View - Falls Lake
- Shallow Ford Campsites
- Crosswinds State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
- Poplar Point State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
Fishing spots
Track Occoneechee Lower Dam 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 Occoneechee Lower Dam
Where does the data for Occoneechee Lower Dam 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 Occoneechee Lower Dam.