Cox Lake
Cox Lake is a concrete dam located in Randolph County, North Carolina, built in 1918. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cox Lake
The primary purpose of Cox Lake is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Cox Lake Hydroelectric (private). It impounds the Deep River near Cedar Falls.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 361 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 52 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 487 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 253 square miles. Completed in 1918, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/17/2021.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Randolph |
| Nearest City | Cedar Falls |
| River/Stream | Deep River |
| Coordinates | 35.75784, -79.75234 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Length | 361.5 ft |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 487 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 487 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 432 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Drainage Area | 253 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 50,200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Cox Lake Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/17/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00445 |
| Federal ID | NC00445 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |