Fishers Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

North Carolina

Nearby: Lipham Dam Lake Jane Dam

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Fishers Lake Dam in North Carolina, completed in 1920, stands as a vital structure for recreation and water resource management in the region.

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Summary

The earth dam, with a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, serves to regulate an unnamed tributary to Garden Creek, providing a surface area of 1 acre and a drainage area of 70 square miles. Despite its historical significance, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition, highlighting the need for regular inspections and potential maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Owned privately, Fishers Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, with state oversight for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's primary purpose is for recreational activities, with a normal storage capacity of 5 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 6 acre-feet. The dam's location in Haywood County underscores its importance for local residents and visitors, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor pursuits in a picturesque setting. Despite its age and condition assessment, efforts to maintain and monitor the dam's safety are ongoing to mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation.

With its historical significance and recreational value, Fishers Lake Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's designation as a high hazard potential structure underscores the critical need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safe operation for both recreational and water management purposes. As discussions around dam safety and maintenance continue, Fishers Lake Dam stands as a reminder of the importance of balancing the benefits of water infrastructure with the need for responsible stewardship and oversight to protect both people and the environment.

Year Completed	1920
Dam Length	200
River Or Stream	Unnamed Tributary to Garden Cr
Primary Dam Type	Earth
Surface Area	1
Hydraulic Height	13
Drainage Area	70
Nid Storage	6
Structural Height	15
Hazard Potential	High
Nid Height	15

Explore Interactive Map

FISHERS LAKE DAM

Reservoir Report • Water Levels • Weather Forecast

December 13, 2025

Year_Completed	1920
Dam_Length	200
River_Or_Stream	Unnamed Tributary to Garden Cr
Primary_Dam_Type	Earth
Surface_Area	1
Hydraulic_Height	13
Drainage_Area	70
Nid_Storage	6
Structural_Height	15
Hazard_Potential	High
Nid_Height	15

Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Pigeon River Near Canton 121.0cfs	121cfs
East Fork Pigeon River Near Canton 51.0cfs	51cfs
W Fk Pigeon R At Bethel 62.3cfs	62cfs
West Fork Pigeon River Near Retreat 36.4cfs	36cfs
W F Pigeon R Above Lake Logan Nr Hazelwood 47.4cfs	47cfs
Pigeon River Near Hepco 314.0cfs	314cfs

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.