Capitola, a hydroelectric dam located in Marshall, North Carolina, harnesses the power of the French Broad River to generate electricity.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1910, this gravity dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 500 feet, with a storage capacity of 205 acre-feet. Its multi-arch structure rests on a rock foundation, serving as a key player in the region's energy production.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Capitola boasts a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating. With ten slide gates for outlet control, the dam has a spillway width of none and no lock structures. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is not available, highlighting the need for further inspection and maintenance to ensure its continued safe operation in the face of changing climate patterns.
As water resources and climate enthusiasts, the data surrounding Capitola offers a glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, energy production, and environmental risk management. With its historical significance and ongoing role in power generation, this hydroelectric facility stands as a testament to the complex relationship between water resources and sustainable energy practices in North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
French Broad |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
1350 |
Nid Storage |
205 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
9 |
French Broad River At Marshall
|
1300cfs |
Ivy River Near Marshall
|
70cfs |
French Broad River At Hot Springs
|
1500cfs |
French Broad River At Asheville
|
1110cfs |
Swannanoa River At Biltmore
|
63cfs |
Beetree Creek Near Swannanoa
|
5cfs |
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