Cliffside Retention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cliffside Retention Basin Dam, also known as Cliffside Inactive Ash Basin #1-4 Main Dam, is a significant earth dam located in Cleveland, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1940, this dam stands at a height of 18 feet with a length of 1480 feet, offering a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet in the Broad River - OS watershed. It serves a critical purpose beyond flood control, with a primary dam type of earth and a high hazard potential due to its structural design and location.

Managed by a public utility, the dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Dam Safety Program. The last inspection in October 2020 revealed a satisfactory condition assessment, ensuring the safety and reliability of this key water resource infrastructure. Despite its age, the dam continues to fulfill its purpose effectively, reflecting an ongoing commitment to maintaining and monitoring its integrity for the surrounding community and environment.

In the realm of water resource and climate conservation, Cliffside Retention Basin Dam stands as a vital piece of infrastructure in Cleveland, North Carolina. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and ensuring resilience against potential hazards. As climate change impacts intensify, the importance of maintaining and updating such structures becomes increasingly evident, highlighting the need for continued oversight and investment in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

1480

River Or Stream

Broad River - OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.1

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

61

Nid Storage

69

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.