Ricks Lake Dam
Ricks Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Nash County, North Carolina, built in 1963. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Ricks Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Ricks Lake Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Lucille R Huffaker (private). It impounds the Swift Creek near Gold Rock.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 544 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. Completed in 1963, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 04/25/2013. That was over 12 years ago.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Nash |
| Nearest City | Gold Rock |
| River/Stream | Swift Creek |
| Coordinates | 36.13110, -77.92660 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 544 ft |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 43 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Max Discharge | 73 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | Lucille R Huffaker |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/25/2013 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC00921 |
| Federal ID | NC00921 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |