Laurel Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Laurel Lake Dam stands as a crucial structure on the Swannanoa River, serving primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam boasts a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 25.5 feet, with a storage capacity of 23.5 acre-feet. The dam, under private ownership, is regulated and inspected by North Carolina's Dam Safety Program, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Laurel Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The last inspection conducted in March 2019 showed that the dam meets safety guidelines, but emergency action plans have not been updated recently. The surrounding area, with a surface area of 2 acres, could be at risk in case of a dam failure, highlighting the need for continued risk assessment and management measures.

With its serene location and important role in recreational activities, Laurel Lake Dam serves as both a valuable resource and a potential risk to the community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the dam's condition, inspection frequency, and emergency preparedness can help ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding environment along the Swannanoa River.

Dam Length

483

River Or Stream

Swannanoa River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

23.5

Structural Height

25.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.