Occoneechee Upper Dam

UT to Eno River· Orange, North Carolina· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Occoneechee Upper Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. 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 TypeEarth
NID IDNC05776

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: Yes
Last Inspection: February 21, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

NC Department of Parks and Recreation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Occoneechee Upper Dam?

Occoneechee Upper 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 Occoneechee Upper Dam?

Occoneechee Upper Dam is owned by NC Department of Parks and Recreation (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Occoneechee Upper Dam?

Occoneechee Upper 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 Occoneechee Upper Dam last inspected?

Occoneechee Upper Dam was last inspected on February 21, 2022. 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.