Cherry Ridge Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: O. A. Fish Dam Hennessee Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cherry Ridge Dam, located in Forest City, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation on Puzzle Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1999, the dam stands at a hydraulic height of 37.5 feet and a structural height of 40 feet, with a length of 450 feet and a storage capacity of 109 acre-feet. The dam's surface area covers 7.86 acres and serves a drainage area of 200 acres.
Despite being privately owned, Cherry Ridge Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Dam Safety Program, with regular inspections ensuring its fair condition and significant hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in March 2020 revealed its operational reliability, with an inspection frequency of every 2 years. While the dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, its risk management measures are under continuous evaluation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cherry Ridge Dam offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of recreation and dam safety in a picturesque setting. With its location in the Nashville District and association with Puzzle Creek, the dam presents a case study for understanding the management of private dams within a regulated framework. Its fair condition and significant hazard potential underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk assessment to ensure the safety and resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1999 |
Dam Length |
450 |
River Or Stream |
Puzzle Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.86 |
Hydraulic Height |
37.5 |
Drainage Area |
200 |
Nid Storage |
109 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Second Broad River Nr Logan
|
64cfs |
First Broad River Near Casar
|
53cfs |
Broad River Near Boiling Springs
|
623cfs |
Jacob Fork At Ramsey
|
19cfs |
Cove Creek Near Lake Lure
|
64cfs |
Broad River Near Blacksburg
|
569cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cherry Ridge Dam