Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forest Lake Dam, located in Haw River, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for recreation, is an earth dam with a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 25 feet. It has a storage capacity of 235 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 179 square miles. The dam, built on Mill Creek-Tr, has a spillway width and outlet gates that were not specified in the data.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Forest Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The last inspection took place in December 2020, with a scheduled frequency of every two years. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in June 2015, and its current adherence to guidelines and risk management measures remain unspecified. With its critical role in water resource management and recreational activities, ensuring the safety and stability of Forest Lake Dam is crucial for the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Dam Length

380

River Or Stream

Mill Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

179

Nid Storage

235

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.