Farlow Lake Dam

North Prong Richland Creek· Randolph, North Carolina· Built 1955· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Farlow Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage134 acre-ft
Normal Storage112 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area2,016 sq mi
Max Discharge50 cfs
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDNC00708

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 23, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Farlow Park Homeowners Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Farlow Lake Dam?

Farlow Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Farlow Lake Dam?

Farlow Lake Dam is owned by Farlow Park Homeowners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Farlow Lake Dam built?

Farlow Lake Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Farlow Lake Dam?

Farlow Lake 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 Farlow Lake Dam last inspected?

Farlow Lake Dam was last inspected on February 23, 2023. 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.