Ridgeway Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ridgeway Dam, also known as Freeman Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Buncombe, North Carolina, along the French Broad River-Tr.


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Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 21 feet and has a length of 294 feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 9.8 acres and a storage capacity of 10 acre-feet.

Despite being privately owned, Ridgeway Dam is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets inspection, permitting, and enforcement requirements. The dam's hazard potential is deemed significant, with a condition assessment of fair as of the last inspection in May 2015. With a moderate risk rating, the dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates.

As a notable feature along the French Broad River, Ridgeway Dam serves as a recreational destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its picturesque location and historical significance, the dam offers visitors a glimpse into North Carolina's water management infrastructure while providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking.

Dam Length

294

River Or Stream

French Broad River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.8

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

10

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.