Grassridge Dam

Grassridge Dam
Official nameGrassridge Dam
CountrySouth Africa
LocationHofmeyr, Eastern Cape
Coordinates31°45′30″S 25°28′1″E / 31.75833°S 25.46694°E / -31.75833; 25.46694
PurposeIrrigation
Construction began1923
Opening date1924 (renovated 1948)
Owner(s)Department of Water Affairs
Dam and spillways
Type of damEarth fill dam
ImpoundsGreat Brak River
Height30 m
Length594 m
Reservoir
CreatesGrassridge Dam Reservoir
Total capacity46 200 000 m³
Surface area1384 ha

The Grassridge Dam is an earth-fill type dam located on a tributary of the Great Fish River called the Great Brak River, near Hofmeyr, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is the starting point for the Fish River Canoe Marathon, which ends in Cradock. The Dam was constructed in 1923 (commissioned in 1924) and has been renovated in 1948. Its main purpose is for irrigation use and the hazard potential has been ranked high (3).