Flint Ridge Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Flint Ridge Dam, also known as Hillsborough Crossing Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Orange County, North Carolina.


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Summary

Completed in 1990, this earth-type dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Eno River-Tr. With a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 19 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.6 acres.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Flint Ridge Dam is regularly inspected, regulated, and enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam's purpose extends beyond flood risk reduction to include recreational opportunities for the local community. With a normal storage capacity of 13.5 acre-feet and a drainage area of 80 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Located in the city of Hillsborough, Flint Ridge Dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 518.5 cubic feet per second and a length of 320 feet. While it lacks associated lock structures, the dam's design and construction adhere to state permitting and inspection requirements. As water resource and climate change enthusiasts, the ongoing monitoring and management of Flint Ridge Dam showcases the importance of sustainable infrastructure for safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

320

River Or Stream

Eno River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.6

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

80

Nid Storage

22

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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.