Ethel Propst Dam dam
Ethel Propst Dam
Ethel Propst Dam, also known as Stirewalt Dam, is a private dam located in Rowan County, North Carolina. Primarily used for recreation, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, with a length of 325 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 100 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres. It is situated on Cold Water Creek, making it a popular spot for water and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various outdoor activities.
Despite its recreational purpose, Ethel Propst Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being assessed as fair. The dam has not been modified over the years and lacks certain safety features such as spillways or outlet gates. The last inspection conducted on January 6, 2021, revealed the need for improved risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols. While the dam meets state inspection requirements, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure the safety and integrity of this vital water resource.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts visiting Ethel Propst Dam should be aware of its high hazard potential and fair condition assessment. With its location in Rowan County, North Carolina, and its proximity to Cold Water Creek, the dam offers a picturesque setting for recreational activities. However, continued monitoring and maintenance are essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of visitors and surrounding communities. It is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize risk management measures and emergency preparedness to sustain the long-term viability of this important water infrastructure.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ethel Propst Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Second Creek Near Barber | 17 cfs | → |
| Coddle Cr At Sr 1612 Near Davidson | 3 cfs | → |
| W. Br Rocky R B Mth Of S Prong R Nr Cornelius | 3 cfs | → |
| Clarke Creek Near Harrisburg | 2 cfs | → |
| Rocky R Ab Irish Buffalo Cr Nr Rocky River | 40 cfs | → |
| Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg | 5 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ethel Propst Dam.
Boat launches
- Trading Ford Way Davidson County
- Wildlife Rec Area Access Road 899, Davidson County
- Nc Highway 801 South 5877, Mocksville
- Marina Drive 298, Montgomery County
- Seipel Drive 8335, Denver
- Shipley Lane Lincoln County
Campgrounds
- Shepherds Field
- Badin Lake Capmground Upper Loop
- Badin Lake
- Badin Lake Campground
- Badin Lake Group Camp
- Arrowhead
Fishing spots
- Abbotts Creek
- Buddle Branch
- Badin Lake Lakemont Rd
- Mountain Island Park Fishing Access
- Benfield Creek
- Buck Branch
Track Ethel Propst Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ethel Propst Dam
Where does the data for Ethel Propst Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ethel Propst Dam.