Camp Ridgecrest Lake Dam
Camp Ridgecrest Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Camp Ridgecrest Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Camp Ridgecrest Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Lifeway Christian Resources, Camp Ridgecrest (private). It impounds the Swannanoa River near Black Mountain.
The dam stands 48 feet tall and stretches 414 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles.
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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/15/2023.
At 48 feet, this dam is taller than 92% 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 | Buncombe |
| Nearest City | Black Mountain |
| River/Stream | Swannanoa River |
| Coordinates | 35.61750, -82.27600 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 48 ft |
| Dam Length | 414 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 80 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 80 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 282 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Lifeway Christian Resources, Camp Ridgecrest |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/15/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC01238 |
| Federal ID | NC01238 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |