Cliffside Active Ash Basin Upstream Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Cleveland, North Carolina, the Cliffside Active Ash Basin Upstream Dam is a crucial infrastructure owned by a public utility for tailings purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1972, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 60 feet with a hydraulic height of 55 feet, spanning a length of 890 feet. With a storage capacity of 1843 acre-feet and a surface area of 24.3 acres, this dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area.

Regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program, this dam has a high hazard potential but was assessed as satisfactory during its last inspection in October 2020. Despite the potential risks, the dam has a comprehensive emergency action plan (EAP) in place, ensuring that necessary measures are taken in case of any unforeseen events. With its location on the outskirts of the Broad River, the Cliffside Active Ash Basin Upstream Dam serves as a critical component in the region's water resource infrastructure.

Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate change will find the Cliffside Active Ash Basin Upstream Dam to be a fascinating case study. From its design and construction to its regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness, this dam exemplifies the intricate balance between water management and environmental protection. As discussions around sustainable water resource management continue to gain momentum, understanding the operations and maintenance of dams like this one becomes increasingly important for ensuring the resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

890

River Or Stream

o/s -- Broad River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24.3

Hydraulic Height

55

Nid Storage

1843

Structural Height

60

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

60
       
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.