2nd Broad River W.S. Structure #11-16(Brevard) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The 2nd Broad River Water Supply Structure #11-16 in Brevard, also known as the Brevard Dam, is a vital part of flood risk reduction efforts in McDowell, North Carolina.


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Summary

Constructed in 1994 by USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 41.9 feet and has a hydraulic height of 21.2 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 8 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 48.1 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Situated on Scrub Grass Branch (Nw Fk) in Union Mills, North Carolina, this dam covers a drainage area of 238 square miles and has a surface area of 1.5 acres. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition, as confirmed by the last inspection in April 2018. The dam does not have controlled spillways or outlet gates, emphasizing the importance of its design and construction to ensure effective flood risk reduction.

With the state regulatory agency overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local government and state agencies in ensuring the safety and functionality of water infrastructure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location and design of the 2nd Broad River Water Supply Structure #11-16, as it continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction while maintaining a moderate risk assessment rating.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

315

River Or Stream

Scrub Grass Branch (Nw Fk)

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

21.2

Drainage Area

238

Nid Storage

48.1

Structural Height

41.9

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.