Riddle Dam dam
Riddle Dam
Riddle Dam, located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, along Brooks Branch, is a privately owned dam primarily used for recreation. Standing at a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 27 feet, the dam spans 305 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 11 acre-feet. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," its hazard potential is considered significant, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance.
Despite not being regulated by the state, Riddle Dam does undergo periodic inspections, with the last recorded assessment dating back to June 2007. With a focus on recreation, the dam provides opportunities for water enthusiasts to enjoy its surroundings, offering a tranquil escape in the city of Newfound. However, the lack of recent data on risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and inundation maps highlights the need for continued monitoring and proactive measures to ensure the safety and longevity of this water resource for climate enthusiasts to enjoy for years to come.
As a significant feature in Congressional District 11, North Carolina, Riddle Dam serves as a vital recreational area while also posing potential risks due to its hazard potential. With its private ownership and limited state regulation, the dam's upkeep and safety fall squarely on the responsibility of its owners. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to explore and appreciate the beauty of Riddle Dam, it is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize proper maintenance and risk management strategies to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the safety of both visitors and the surrounding environment.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Riddle Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| French Broad River At Asheville | 1,130 cfs | → |
| Pigeon River Near Canton | 117 cfs | → |
| Swannanoa River At Biltmore | 60 cfs | → |
| Ivy River Near Marshall | 232 cfs | → |
| French Broad River At Marshall | 1,510 cfs | → |
| East Fork Pigeon River Near Canton | 69 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Riddle Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Riddle Dam
Where does the data for Riddle Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.