African Plains Dam

Richland Creek· Randolph, North Carolina· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

African Plains Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length320 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage76 acre-ft
Normal Storage38 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
NID IDNC05580

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 21, 2014
State Regulated: No

Ownership

NC Zoological Authority

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of African Plains Dam?

African Plains Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates African Plains Dam?

African Plains Dam is owned by NC Zoological Authority (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of African Plains Dam?

African Plains Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was African Plains Dam last inspected?

African Plains Dam was last inspected on October 21, 2014. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.