Cliffside Inactive Ash Basin #5 Saddle Dam
Cliffside Inactive Ash Basin #5 Saddle Dam is an earth dam located in Rutherford County, North Carolina, built in 1972. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a unsatisfactory condition assessment.
About Cliffside Inactive Ash Basin #5 Saddle Dam
Cliffside Inactive Ash Basin #5 Saddle Dam is a dam in Rutherford, North Carolina. The dam is owned by Duke Energy Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Broad River.
The dam stands 42 feet tall and stretches 590 feet across. Completed in 1972, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated unsatisfactory, indicating serious safety deficiencies exist that require immediate attention or remedial action. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/31/2024.
At 42 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The North Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Rutherford |
| River/Stream | Broad River |
| Coordinates | 35.21570, -81.76570 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Length | 590 ft |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Duke Energy Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Unsatisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/31/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC05959 |
| Federal ID | NC05959 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |