Ridgeway Tailings Impdam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Ridgeway Tailings Impdam in Fairfield, South Carolina, is a notable water resource structure with a NID storage capacity of 24,200 acre-feet.


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Summary

Located within the Savannah District, this dam stands at an impressive height of 188.5 feet, providing essential water storage for the region. Despite its significant storage capacity, the dam's primary purpose and specific design details are not listed, raising questions about its intended function and engineering specifications.

With a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a surface area of 270 acres, the Ridgeway Tailings Impdam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. However, the dam's hazard potential is currently listed as 'Undetermined', highlighting the need for further assessment and evaluation of its safety and structural integrity. While the condition assessment is marked as 'Not Rated', the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in May 2000, potentially indicating a need for updated emergency preparedness measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Ridgeway Tailings Impdam presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and water management. As a key structure in the region, its significance lies in its storage capacity, height, and potential impact on local water resources. With its hazard potential and condition assessment yet to be fully determined, there is a need for continued monitoring and evaluation to ensure the safety and efficiency of the dam in the face of changing environmental conditions and potential risks.

Dam Height

188.5

Surface Area

270

Nid Storage

24200

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

189
       
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.