Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam in North Carolina is a crucial structure designed for tailings management.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1972, stands at a structural height of 120 feet with a hydraulic height of 115 feet. It has a storage capacity of 1843 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 64.2 acres. The dam is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.

Located in Cleveland County, this dam on the Suck Creek offstream has a high hazard potential and is under state jurisdiction for regulatory oversight. With a primary purpose of tailings management, the Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam plays a vital role in maintaining water resources and managing potential risks associated with its operation. It is owned by a public utility and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safe operation and compliance with regulatory standards.

Overall, the Cliffside Active Ash Basin Downstream Dam is an essential infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in North Carolina. With its significant storage capacity and strategic location, this dam serves a crucial role in maintaining the safety and integrity of its surrounding areas. As a regulated structure with a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam exemplifies the state's commitment to ensuring the resilience of its water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

876

River Or Stream

Suck Creek -- offstream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

64.2

Hydraulic Height

115

Nid Storage

1843

Structural Height

120

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

120
       
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.