Ellington Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vernon Lake Dam Hancock Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Ellington Lake Dam, located in Mayodan, North Carolina, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 1965, is classified as an earth dam with a hydraulic height of 20.8 feet and a structural height of 26.3 feet. With a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Buffalo Creek-Tr watershed.
Despite being privately owned, Ellington Lake Dam is subject to state inspection and has been rated as having a low hazard potential. The dam, part of the Huntington District, is not regulated by the state but is inspected regularly. With a drainage area of 106 square miles and a maximum discharge of 383 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in flood control and water supply management in the region. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, and the last inspection was conducted in January 2015.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Ellington Lake Dam in maintaining water quality, providing water for various purposes, and ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities. The dam's strategic location in Stokes County, North Carolina, highlights its importance in managing water flow and mitigating potential risks. With a history dating back to the mid-20th century, Ellington Lake Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing and safeguarding natural resources for the benefit of the local ecosystem and beyond.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
296 |
River Or Stream |
Buffalo Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
20.8 |
Drainage Area |
106 |
Nid Storage |
32 |
Structural Height |
26.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Mayo River Near Nettleridge
|
48cfs |
Mayo River Near Price
|
132cfs |
North Mayo River Near Spencer
|
61cfs |
Dan River Near Francisco
|
80cfs |
Dan R At Pine Hall
|
229cfs |
Smith River At Martinsville
|
145cfs |
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.
Ellington Lake Dam