Upper Ridge Cove Dam

UT to Chattooga River· Jackson, North Carolina· Built 1945· Concrete·
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Upper Ridge Cove Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length183 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage84 acre-ft
Normal Storage75 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area359 sq mi
Year Completed1945 (81 years old)
NID IDNC01296

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 20, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Bernard Lanigan

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Ridge Cove Dam?

Upper Ridge Cove Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Upper Ridge Cove Dam?

Upper Ridge Cove Dam is owned by Bernard Lanigan (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Ridge Cove Dam built?

Upper Ridge Cove Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Upper Ridge Cove Dam?

Upper Ridge Cove 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 Upper Ridge Cove Dam last inspected?

Upper Ridge Cove Dam was last inspected on April 20, 2021. 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.