Spencer Mountain, located in Gaston, North Carolina, is a historic masonry dam built in 1905 for the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.
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Situated on the South Fork Catawba River, this dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 24 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet. The dam stretches over 636 feet in length and covers a surface area of 69 acres, serving as a key feature in the region's water resource management infrastructure.
Managed by a private owner, Spencer Mountain Dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has undergone regular inspections, most recently in August 2017. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.
As a significant landmark in the region's water resource landscape, Spencer Mountain Dam plays a crucial role in providing hydroelectric power and maintaining water levels for downstream use. With its historical significance and operational importance, this dam serves as a testament to the intersection of engineering ingenuity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable energy production in North Carolina's water infrastructure network.
Year Completed |
1905 |
Dam Length |
636 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
South Fork Catawba River |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
69 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
622 |
Nid Storage |
166 |
Structural Height |
6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
24 |