Second Broad W.S.
Wind
Humidity
Structure 11-18a is a local government-owned dam located in McDowell, North Carolina, specifically in the city of Forest City. Completed in 1994, this earth-type dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Wheeler Branch-Tr river. Standing at a structural height of 41 feet and a hydraulic height of 25 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1.6 acres, with a drainage area of 150 square miles.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2018, Second Broad W.S. Structure 11-18a undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite not having a spillway or outlet gates, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 628 cubic feet per second, providing crucial flood protection to the surrounding area.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is expected to meet guidelines, although the last revision date was in March 2016. With its vital role in flood risk reduction and its careful regulatory oversight, Second Broad W.S. Structure 11-18a stands as a critical infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in McDowell County, North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
190 |
River Or Stream |
Wheeler Branch-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
150 |
Nid Storage |
66 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
41 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lucky Strike Campground
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Vein Mountain Gold Camp & Carolina Emerald Mine
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Mad Mama's River Run Campground
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River Creek Camp Ground
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