Nelson Park Dam dam
Nelson Park Dam
Nelson Park Dam, located in Caroleen, North Carolina, stands as a vital structure along the 2nd Broad River-Tr. Completed in 1981, this Earth-type dam primarily serves recreational purposes, offering a serene retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a hydraulic height of 21.5 feet and a structural height of 27 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Managed by a private owner, Nelson Park Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it adheres to strict safety standards. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition, with regular inspections conducted to monitor its structural integrity. The surrounding area, with a surface area of 1.5 square miles, offers a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
As a significant landmark in Rutherford County, Nelson Park Dam not only enhances the local landscape but also serves as a critical recreational asset for the community. With its impressive design and operational efficiency, the dam continues to attract water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates who appreciate its role in preserving and harnessing water resources for sustainable outdoor recreation.
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 Nelson Park Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Second Broad River Nr Logan | 124 cfs | → |
| Broad River Near Boiling Springs | 968 cfs | → |
| First Broad River Near Casar | 51 cfs | → |
| Pacolet River Near Fingerville | 74 cfs | → |
| North Pacolet River At Fingerville | 102 cfs | → |
| Cove Creek Near Lake Lure | 136 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Nelson Park Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Nelson Park Dam
Where does the data for Nelson Park 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 below 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.
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.