Ripshin Lake dam
Ripshin Lake
Located in Carter, Tennessee, Ripshin Lake is a private recreational facility nestled by Roaring Creek. Built in 1946, this earth dam boasts a hydraulic height of 37.3 feet and a structural height of 44.3 feet, with a storage capacity of 911 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 60 acres and serves as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Ripshin Lake is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the site continues to be monitored closely to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding community. While the dam does not have outlet gates or associated structures, it remains a key recreational attraction for visitors seeking outdoor adventures in the beautiful Tennessee landscape.
As an integral part of the local ecosystem, Ripshin Lake provides a vital resource for both recreational activities and water conservation efforts. With its rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, this picturesque water body continues to be a beacon for nature lovers and climate enthusiasts alike. Whether it's fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, Ripshin Lake offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of sustainable water management practices in maintaining our planet's precious resources.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ripshin Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Doe River At Elizabethton | 293 cfs | → |
| Watauga River At Elizabethton | 1,390 cfs | → |
| Watauga River Near Sugar Grove | 38 cfs | → |
| Nolichucky River At Embreeville | 2,020 cfs | → |
| South Toe River Near Celo | 33 cfs | → |
| Big Limestone Creek Near Limestone | 25 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ripshin Lake.
Boat launches
- Us 321;Sr 67 Carter County
- Wilbur Dam Road Carter County
- Moody Circle Carter County
- Blevins 221-259, Johnson City
- Lovers Lane 338, Carter County
- Mitchell County
Campgrounds
- Roan Mountain State Park
- Dennis Cove Campground
- Dennis Cove Rec Area
- Dennis Cove Recreation Area
- Upper Laurel Fork
- Mountain View Motorcycle Campground
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Watauga Reservoir To Tn/Nc State Line
- Boundary Between Mitchell And Yancy Counties To Nc/Tn Stateline
- Headwaters Above Linville Gap To Blue Ridge Parkway Boundary
- Tn/Nc State Line (Rm 100.6) To Mine Branch (Rm 99.3)
- Blue Ridge Parkway Boundary To Linville Gorge Boundary
- Headwaters To Tn/Va State Line
More reservoirs
Track Ripshin Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ripshin Lake
Where does the data for Ripshin Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ripshin Lake.