Occoneechee Upper Dam
Occoneechee Upper Dam is an earth dam located in Orange County, North Carolina. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Occoneechee Upper Dam
The primary purpose of Occoneechee Upper Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Nc Department Of Natural And Cultural Resources (state). It impounds the Ut To Eno River.
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 03/12/2025.
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 |
| River/Stream | Ut To Eno River |
| Coordinates | 36.06000, -79.11470 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/12/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC05776 |
| Federal ID | NC05776 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |