Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam, located in Fairview, North Carolina, is a private earth dam that was completed in 1957 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on Flat Branch, the dam has a hydraulic height of 38.5 feet and a structural height of 45 feet, with a length of 500 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Buncombe County.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2016, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location and design. The state regulatory agency, NCDEQ's Dam Safety Program, oversees the permitting, inspection, and enforcement of this dam, ensuring that it meets safety standards. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) may be in place, although details on its preparedness and guidelines compliance are not specified in the data.

With its picturesque setting and recreational offerings, Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam presents a unique blend of natural beauty and human engineering. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the area, they can appreciate the careful balance between enjoyment and safety that the dam represents, under the watchful eye of state regulators and local authorities.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Flat Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

38.5

Drainage Area

92

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

45

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

45
       
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.