University Lake Dam
University Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Orange County, North Carolina, built in 1932. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About University Lake Dam
The primary purpose of University Lake Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Orange Water And Sewer Authority (local government). It impounds the Morgan Creek near Carrboro.
The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 835 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 213 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,836 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 29 square miles. Completed in 1932, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 03/04/2025.
At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The North Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Orange |
| Nearest City | Carrboro |
| River/Stream | Morgan Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.89660, -79.09220 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Length | 835 ft |
| Year Completed | 1932 (94 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,836 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,836 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,030 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 213 acres |
| Drainage Area | 29 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Orange Water and Sewer Authority |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/04/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00782 |
| Federal ID | NC00782 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |