Pisgah Forest Farm Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Pisgah Forest Farm Dam, also known as Parker Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Penrose, North Carolina.


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Summary

This earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Little River-Trib, with a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a structural height of 35 feet. The dam has a NID storage capacity of 10 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 10 acre-feet, making it a crucial resource for water and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Despite its recreational focus, Pisgah Forest Farm Dam poses a high hazard potential, with a fair condition assessment last conducted in January 2015. The dam is under state regulation by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it is regularly inspected and monitored for safety compliance. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in April 2015, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and risk management.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pisgah Forest Farm Dam offers a unique opportunity to witness the intersection of human-made structures with natural waterways. Its presence along the Little River-Trib provides a tranquil setting for recreational activities while also highlighting the need for responsible dam management in the face of potential hazards. As a privately-owned entity, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing environmental preservation with human enjoyment in the management of water resources.

Dam Length

125

River Or Stream

Little River-Trib

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

10

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

35
       
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.