Hill Top Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hill Top Lake Dam, located in Forsyth, North Carolina, was completed in 1954 and serves as a vital water resource for the region.


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Summary

This private-owned Earth dam stands at a structural height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 24 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 36 acre-feet. The dam primarily caters to recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 3 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Hill Top Lake Dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam has a history of meeting state permitting, inspection, and enforcement guidelines, ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure. With the last inspection conducted in December 2019, the dam continues to be a key feature in managing the water resources of the James Branch-Tr river system.

As a significant component of the region's water infrastructure, Hill Top Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water storage and recreational activities. With its well-maintained condition and adherence to state regulations, the dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in North Carolina. Enthusiasts and climate advocates can appreciate the balance between recreation and safety that this dam exemplifies in sustaining the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

240

River Or Stream

James Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

23

Nid Storage

36

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.