Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Drainage Area | 155 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 170 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2007 |
| NID ID | NC00287 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Flattop Mountain Land Owners Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Straus Pond Dam
Buncombe, NC
High HazardMoore'S Dam
Buncombe, NC
High HazardEcho Lake Dam
Buncombe, NC
High HazardMorgan Pond Dam
Buncombe, NC
High HazardLaurel Lake Dam
Buncombe, NC
High HazardLake Evens Dam
Buncombe, NC
High HazardSpivey Pond Dam
Buncombe, NC
High HazardTilson Dam
Buncombe, NC
Significant HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam?
Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam?
Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam is owned by Flattop Mountain Land Owners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam built?
Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam?
Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam last inspected?
Flat Top Mountain Lake Dam was last inspected on April 18, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.