2nd Broad River W.S. Structure #11-5 (Lawing) Dam
2nd Broad River W.S. Structure #11-5 (Lawing)
Located in Union Mills, North Carolina, the 2nd Broad River W.S. Structure #11-5 (Lawing) is a flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1994. This earth dam stands at a structural height of 22.3 feet and a hydraulic height of 9.4 feet, with a storage capacity of 50.1 acre-feet. Situated on Hicks Branch, this dam serves a critical role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the McDowell local government and regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, this dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently rated as satisfactory in condition assessment. The last inspection in March 2016 revealed no major concerns, ensuring the safety and functionality of the structure. With a drainage area of 242 square miles and a maximum discharge of 364 cubic feet per second, the 2nd Broad River W.S. Structure #11-5 (Lawing) plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam exemplifies the importance of infrastructure in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities. As a key component of the local water resource system, this structure underscores the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the community to safeguard against potential natural disasters and ensure the sustainable management of water resources in McDowell County, North Carolina.
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 2nd Broad River W.S. Structure #11-5 (Lawing) -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Catawba R Nr Pleasant Gardens | 108 cfs | → |
| Cove Creek Near Lake Lure | 63 cfs | → |
| Second Broad River Nr Logan | 51 cfs | → |
| Linville River Near Nebo | 83 cfs | → |
| North Fork Swannanoa River Near Walkertown | 16 cfs | → |
| South Toe River Near Celo | 117 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near 2nd Broad River W.S. Structure #11-5 (Lawing).
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About 2nd Broad River W.S. Structure #11-5 (Lawing)
Where does the data for 2nd Broad River W.S. Structure #11-5 (Lawing) 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 Significant 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.