Ridgetop Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Ridgetop is a privately owned dam located in Greenebrier, Tennessee, along the Polebridge Branch river.


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Summary

Built in 1937, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 28 feet, with a length of 300 feet. It has a storage capacity of 225 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 78 acre-feet and a surface area of 12 acres.

The dam is regulated and inspected by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, with the last inspection conducted in March 2021, reporting a satisfactory condition. With a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Ridgetop is deemed to be in a moderate risk category. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its primary purposes effectively while meeting state regulatory standards for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the infrastructure of dams and their impact on local communities will find Ridgetop to be a fascinating case study. Situated in a picturesque location within Robertson County, Tennessee, this dam not only provides essential water storage but also poses challenges that require ongoing risk management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

POLEBRIDGE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

1.34

Nid Storage

225

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

28
       
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.