Hemlock Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hemlock Lake Dam, also known as Trout Lake Dam, is a private structure located in Sherwood Forest, North Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1937, this concrete buttress dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. Situated on Morgan Creek, the dam boasts a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a capacity to hold 40 acre-feet of water, with a normal storage of 37 acre-feet.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of March 2020, Hemlock Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. It is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources, Dam Safety Program, ensuring that regular inspections and enforcement measures are in place. The dam's emergency action plan preparation and compliance with guidelines, as well as the availability of inundation maps for risk assessment, are factors that remain undisclosed in the available data.

In the picturesque setting of Transylvania County, Hemlock Lake Dam stands as a vital recreational asset, providing both enjoyment and the responsibility of risk management for the community. Its history and design showcase the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, making it a focal point for enthusiasts seeking to understand the intricate balance between human activity and natural forces.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

100

River Or Stream

Morgan Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.