Forest Oaks Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Forest Oaks Lake Dam, located in Guilford, North Carolina, serves as a crucial water resource for irrigation purposes since its completion in 1964.


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Summary

This private dam on Beaver Creek stands at a structural height of 24 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, providing a storage capacity of 222 acre-feet to support agricultural activities in the region. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

With a drainage area of 787 acres and a maximum discharge of 1176 cubic feet per second, Forest Oaks Lake Dam plays a significant role in managing water flow and storage in the area. The dam's 625-foot length and 18-acre surface area contribute to its functionality in controlling water levels and supporting local ecosystems. Though no spillway type or width is specified, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not explicitly outlined, leaving room for further assessment of its preparedness for potential hazards and emergencies.

As part of the Wilmington District in North Carolina, Forest Oaks Lake Dam continues to be monitored and regulated for its upkeep and safety standards. The involvement of the Dam Safety Program and the fair condition assessment highlight the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk assessment to ensure the dam's resilience and effectiveness in water resource management for irrigation purposes in the region.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

625

River Or Stream

Beaver Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

787

Nid Storage

222

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.