Ritchie Lake Dam, located in Whitney, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1922, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 13 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet. The dam spans 390 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 6 acres for recreational activities.
Situated on Riles Creek, a tributary of the Yadkin River, Ritchie Lake Dam serves as a low hazard potential structure with a condition assessment of "Not Rated." While the dam has not been state regulated or permitted, it undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in October 2018. With a maximum discharge capacity of 149 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, supporting a drainage area of 499 acres.
Despite its non-regulated status, Ritchie Lake Dam remains a key feature in the local landscape, offering a serene recreational spot for visitors to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. The dam's historical significance, combined with its functional role in water management and recreation, makes it a noteworthy destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the intersection of nature and human engineering in North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
390 |
River Or Stream |
Riles Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
499 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
Rocky R Ab Irish Buffalo Cr Nr Rocky River
|
84cfs |
Abbotts Creek At Lexington
|
31cfs |
Second Creek Near Barber
|
41cfs |
Rocky River Near Norwood
|
305cfs |
Rocky River Nr Stanfield
|
173cfs |
Yadkin River At Yadkin College
|
1340cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Badin Lake Capmground Upper Loop
|
||
Badin Lake
|
||
Badin Lake Campground
|
||
Badin Lake Group Camp
|
||
Arrowhead
|
||
Arrowhead Campground
|