Chatham Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chatham Dam, located in Forsyth, North Carolina, serves as a crucial structure on the UT Silas Creek.


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Summary

While specific details about its design and purpose remain undisclosed, the dam is under state inspection, indicating a commitment to safety and maintenance. The last inspection conducted in March 2021 classified the dam's hazard potential as significant, although its condition assessment was not rated at the time.

Despite limited information on its specifications such as height, volume, or completion year, Chatham Dam's role in water resource management and climate resilience cannot be overlooked. Its presence on the creek signifies a level of control over water flow and storage, ultimately impacting the surrounding ecosystem and communities. The dam's significant hazard potential necessitates regular inspections and potentially emergency preparedness plans, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management in safeguarding against potential threats.

As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chatham Dam stands as a testament to human intervention in natural hydrological systems. Its classification as a significant hazard underscores the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and downstream safety. Further research into the dam's history, construction, and current management practices could provide valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the face of changing climate conditions.

River Or Stream

UT Silas Creek

Hazard Potential

Significant
       
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.