Timber Ridge Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Timber Ridge Lake Dam, located in Saxapahaw, North Carolina, is a private dam regulated by the state's Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 22 feet and has a hydraulic height of 20 feet, serving primarily for recreational purposes. With a storage capacity of 288 acre-feet, the dam holds back Poppaw Creek and covers a surface area of 30 acres.

Despite its fair condition assessment in 2020, Timber Ridge Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance. The dam has a drainage area of 966 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 165 cubic feet per second. While no spillway type or width is specified, the dam's last inspection in 2020 revealed that it meets state regulatory standards, with enforcement and permitting processes in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Timber Ridge Lake Dam to be a vital structure in the region, providing both recreational opportunities and crucial water storage functions. As a privately owned earth dam with state regulation, its maintenance and upkeep are essential to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the dam itself. The dam's location in Alamance County, with its rich natural surroundings, highlights the importance of responsible water management in preserving the local ecosystem and supporting sustainable development.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

975

River Or Stream

Poppaw Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

966

Nid Storage

288

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.