Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam

Suck Creek· Cleveland, North Carolina· Built 1972· Earth·
High Hazard Tailings Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is tailings. 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 Length876 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area86 acres
Drainage Area311 sq mi
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)
NID IDNC05874

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 6, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Duke Energy Corporation

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam?

Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream 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 Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam?

Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam is owned by Duke Energy Corporation (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam built?

Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam?

Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam last inspected?

Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam was last inspected on October 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.