Linville Ridge Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Linville Ridge Dam, located in Linville, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure built in 1981 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Situated on the West Fork Linville River, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 38.5 feet and a structural height of 43 feet, with a length of 200 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 24 acre-feet, with normal storage at 17 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.5 acres.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Linville Ridge Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in June 2019, revealing a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is considered to be in good operational standing. It is monitored for compliance with state regulations and enforcement measures are in place to ensure public safety.

This essential water resource infrastructure not only supports agricultural activities through irrigation but also serves as a critical component of the local ecosystem. With its strategic location and effective management, Linville Ridge Dam plays a vital role in water conservation and management in the region, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

200

River Or Stream

West Fork Linville River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

38.5

Nid Storage

24

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

43
       
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.