Foster Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Foster Lake Dam, located in Guilford, North Carolina, is a private structure primarily used for recreation on Brush Creek-Tr.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 19 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 20 acre-feet. With a surface area of 2 acres and a drainage area of 18 square miles, the dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in January 2013.

While the dam does not fall under state regulation or permitting, it is subject to state inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. The surrounding area in Ossipee benefits from the recreational opportunities provided by Foster Lake Dam, making it a valuable asset for the community. Despite its private ownership, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Foster Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure for both recreational and environmental purposes. Understanding the structural details and operational status of dams like Foster Lake Dam can help inform decisions on future conservation and management strategies to ensure the sustainability of water resources in North Carolina and beyond.

Dam Length

241

River Or Stream

Brush Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

18

Nid Storage

20

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

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.