Lake Orange Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Orange Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 140 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,850 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 66 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00773 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Orange County
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Arrowhead Lake Dam
Orange, NC
Low HazardHillsborough Water Supply Dam
Orange, NC
High HazardHaithcock Heirs Dam
Orange, NC
High HazardWilkins Dam
Orange, NC
High HazardOrange-Alamance Lake Dam
Orange, NC
Low HazardJohnson Lake Dam
Orange, NC
Significant HazardPiedmont Minerals Lake Dam
Orange, NC
Low HazardOcconeechee Upper Dam
Orange, NC
High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Orange Dam?
Lake Orange 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 Lake Orange Dam?
Lake Orange Dam is owned by Orange County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Orange Dam built?
Lake Orange Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Lake Orange Dam?
Lake Orange Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Lake Orange Dam last inspected?
Lake Orange Dam was last inspected on October 5, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.