Oxford Commons Dam

Eno River· Durham, North Carolina· Built 1990· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Oxford Commons Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1990 and is 36 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 Length0 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage24 acre-ft
Year Completed1990 (36 years old)
NID IDNC02324

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 4, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Durham Volunteers of America Elderly Housing, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Oxford Commons Dam?

Oxford Commons 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 Oxford Commons Dam?

Oxford Commons Dam is owned by Durham Volunteers of America Elderly Housing, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Oxford Commons Dam built?

Oxford Commons Dam was completed in 1990, making it 36 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 Oxford Commons Dam?

Oxford Commons 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 Oxford Commons Dam last inspected?

Oxford Commons Dam was last inspected on February 4, 2021. 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.