Century Park Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hauser Lake Dam Old Kernersville Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Century Park Lake Dam, located in Forsyth, North Carolina, is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam regulates Smith Creek and stands at a hydraulic height of 16.8 feet and a structural height of 26.2 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 39 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 5 acres and drains a watershed area of 388 square miles.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of March 2021, Century Park Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a history of periodic inspections and a designated emergency action plan, Century Park Lake Dam remains a crucial infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the intricacies of Century Park Lake Dam offer an insightful look into the intersection of recreational infrastructure and environmental stewardship. The dam's role in regulating water flow and storage, coupled with its maintenance and regulatory framework, highlights the importance of sustainable dam management to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. By understanding the complexities of structures like Century Park Lake Dam, enthusiasts can contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in a changing world.
Dam Length |
355 |
River Or Stream |
Smith Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.8 |
Drainage Area |
388 |
Nid Storage |
39 |
Structural Height |
26.2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Century Park Lake Dam