Cone Mills Dam, also known as Cliffside Mills, is a private-owned structure located in Rutherford, North Carolina, specifically in the city of Cliffside.
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Humidity
This dam, completed in 1900, serves primarily for hydroelectric purposes on the Second Broad River. With a concrete arch design and a hydraulic height of 26.5 feet, it stands at a structural height of 30.5 feet and stretches 250 feet in length.
Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Cone Mills Dam boasts a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2013. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 64 acre-feet. Its surface area spans 3.5 acres, contributing to its essential role in regulating water flow and providing hydroelectric power to the surrounding area.
Located within the Nashville District and overseen by the NC Department of Environmental Quality, Cone Mills Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and its lasting impact on water resource management and climate sustainability in North Carolina. Its history, purpose, and continued functionality make it a significant landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
250 |
River Or Stream |
Second Broad River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
3.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
26.5 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Structural Height |
30.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
31 |