Upper Ridge Cove Dam, located in Ford Ga, North Carolina, along the Chattooga River-Tr, is a private concrete structure built in 1945 primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a structural height of 32 feet with a hydraulic height of 31 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres. With a drainage area of 359 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region while also offering recreational opportunities for visitors.
Maintained and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Upper Ridge Cove Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in 2014. The dam has not undergone significant modifications over the years and does not feature a spillway or outlet gates. Despite its relatively modest size, the dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for water management and recreational activities in the area, attracting visitors and enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate-related topics.
With its picturesque location along the Chattooga River-Tr and its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, Upper Ridge Cove Dam offers a unique blend of natural beauty and engineering ingenuity. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the dam's role in water storage and management becomes increasingly important. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Upper Ridge Cove Dam presents an intriguing case study of how dams can serve multiple purposes, from recreation to flood control, while balancing the need for environmental stewardship and safety regulations.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
183 |
River Or Stream |
Chattooga River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
359 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Ralph Andrews County Park
|
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Van Hook Glade
|
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Van Hook Glade Campground
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Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
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Blue Valley Camp
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Burrells Ford
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Headwaters To Sloan'S Bridge Crossing, Crossing Of Sc 107
1/4 Mile Below Walhalla Fish Hatchery To Boundary Of Chattooga Wsr
1/4 Mile Above The Walhalla Fish Hatchery To 1/4 Mile Below The Walhalla Fish Hatchery
Burrels Ford to Lick Log Branch (Section 1)
Sloan'S Bridge Crossing To 1/4 Mile Above The Walhalla Fish Hatchery
Ga/Nc State Line To 2 Miles Downriver