Owens Dam dam
Owens Dam
Owens Dam, located in High Point, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes. Completed in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet, with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a length of 700 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 72 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.2 acres. It is situated on the Deep River-Tr, within the jurisdiction of the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program.
Despite its recreational value, Owens Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The last inspection conducted in March 2020 revealed the dam's maintenance needs, prompting a frequent inspection schedule of every 2 years. With its location in a densely populated area, the dam's deteriorating condition raises concerns for potential risks to downstream communities in the event of a failure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and advocate for the necessary measures to ensure the safety and functionality of Owens Dam and other critical infrastructure.
As advocates for water resources and climate resilience, it is crucial to address the maintenance and safety concerns surrounding Owens Dam. With the dam serving as a recreational asset while also carrying a significant hazard potential, there is a pressing need for improved risk management measures and regular inspections to mitigate potential threats to surrounding communities and the environment. By staying informed and engaged in the efforts to enhance the safety and functionality of Owens Dam, enthusiasts can contribute to safeguarding water resources and promoting sustainable infrastructure practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Owens Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Fork Deep River Near High Point | 2 cfs | → |
| South Buffalo Creek Nr Pomona | 1 cfs | → |
| Ryan Creek Below Us 220 At Greensboro | 0 cfs | → |
| South Buffalo Creek At Us 220 At Greensboro | 2 cfs | → |
| N Buffalo Cr At Westover Terrace At Greensboro | 1 cfs | → |
| Horsepen Creek At Us 220 Nr Greensboro | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Owens Dam.
Boat launches
- Lake Thom-A-Lex Park
- Belews Lake Drive 8191, Belews Creek
- Homeview Road Burlington
- Pine Hall Road 2547-2793, Walnut Cove
- Wildlife Rec Area Access Road 899, Davidson County
- Trading Ford Way Davidson County
Campgrounds
- Oak Hollow City Campground
- Hagan-Stone Park
- Tanglewood Park
- Lake Reidsville Rec Park
- Shallow Ford Campsites
Fishing spots
Track Owens 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 Owens Dam
Where does the data for Owens 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 Owens Dam.