Foster Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Montgomery, North Carolina, Foster Lake Dam is a private earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this dam stands at a structural height of 45 feet and has a hydraulic height of 42 feet, with a length of 375 feet. It has a storage capacity of 202 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 168 acre-feet, making it a vital water resource for the area.

The dam overlooks the West Fork Little River-Os, offering a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Foster Lake Dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam is in fair condition as of the last assessment in May 2017, with a regular inspection frequency of 5 years to ensure its safety and integrity.

With its picturesque location and importance as a water resource, Foster Lake Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for the community of Capelsie. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential to maintain and monitor such structures to ensure their resilience and safety for future generations of water and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

375

River Or Stream

West Fork Little River-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

42

Nid Storage

202

Structural Height

45

Hazard Potential

Low

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.