Lake Falmouth Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Desmond Dam Marblehead Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Falmouth Dam, located in Forsyth, North Carolina, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 26.7 feet and a structural height of 30.5 feet, with a length of 300 feet. It provides a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 75 acres. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring its safety and reliability.
Surrounded by the Ellison Creek-Tr river/stream, Lake Falmouth Dam poses a significant risk if not properly maintained and managed. The dam has a history of two inspections per year, with the latest assessment in January 2021, indicating a fair condition. While the dam lacks certain features such as spillways and outlet gates, its primary purpose of recreation attracts visitors to its 7-acre surface area for various water activities. With a designated emergency action plan and high hazard potential, the dam's safety remains a top priority for the local government and regulatory agencies.
In the event of an emergency, Lake Falmouth Dam's emergency action plan is crucial to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. While the dam's risk assessment and management measures are not specified, its compliance with state regulations and frequent inspections suggest a proactive approach to dam safety. As a key water resource in the region, Lake Falmouth Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent potential hazards and ensure the well-being of the surrounding community and environment.
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
Ellison Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
26.7 |
Drainage Area |
146 |
Nid Storage |
112 |
Structural Height |
30.5 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yadkin River At Enon
|
1080cfs |
Yadkin River At Yadkin College
|
1340cfs |
Little Yadkin River At Dalton
|
16cfs |
Hunting Creek Near Harmony
|
93cfs |
South Yadkin River Near Mocksville
|
230cfs |
Abbotts Creek At Lexington
|
31cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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