Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Forest Lake Dam, located in Rosman, North Carolina, is a private earth dam built in 1968 primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 24.2 feet, impounding Wilson Mill Creek to create a reservoir with a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet. With a surface area of 2.3 acres and a drainage area of 245 acres, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been rated as being in poor condition during its last assessment in March 2020.

Despite being privately owned, Forest Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safe operation. The dam has a history of modifications, with an inspection frequency of every two years to assess its structural integrity and safety. The dam's high hazard potential underscores the importance of maintaining its condition and implementing risk management measures to protect downstream communities in the event of a failure.

With its scenic location and recreational focus, Forest Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for water enthusiasts in the Transylvania County area. However, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are crucial to address its poor condition and mitigate the potential risks associated with its high hazard rating. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and resilience of dams like Forest Lake Dam is essential for sustainable water management in the region.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

215

River Or Stream

Wilson Mill Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.3

Drainage Area

245

Nid Storage

22

Structural Height

24.2

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.