Gaston Shoals Lower dam
Gaston Shoals Lower
Gaston Shoals Lower, located in Cherokee Falls Dam, South Carolina, is a privately owned hydroelectric dam constructed in 1908 by the Southern Power Company. This concrete dam stands at a height of 62 feet with a hydraulic height of 51 feet and a length of 472 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 2500 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. The dam is situated on the Broad River, within the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
With a low hazard potential but a high risk assessment rating of 2, Gaston Shoals Lower is a significant structure in the region. It is associated with two other structures and falls under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Despite its age, the condition assessment of the dam is listed as not available, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and resilience. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in December 2020, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness and risk management measures.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the historical significance and engineering marvel of Gaston Shoals Lower. As a key player in the generation of hydroelectric power in the area, this dam serves as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resources. Its location on the Broad River adds to its ecological importance, making it a focal point for monitoring and conservation efforts. With its unique design and operational history, Gaston Shoals Lower presents a fascinating case study for those interested in sustainable energy practices and water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
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.
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 Gaston Shoals Lower -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Broad River Near Blacksburg | 338 cfs | → |
| Broad River Near Gaffney | 1,890 cfs | → |
| Broad River Near Boiling Springs | 392 cfs | → |
| Broad River Below Cherokee Falls | 576 cfs | → |
| Pacolet River Below Lake Blalock Near Cowpens | 88 cfs | → |
| Lawsons Fork Creek At Spartanburg Sc | 29 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Gaston Shoals Lower .
Boat launches
- First Broad River Trail Shelby
- John H. Moss Lake Recreation Park
- Lakeshore Drive Cleveland County
- Sandy Ford Road 1925, Chesnee
- Anchor Park
Campgrounds
- Shelby Mission Camp
- Garner Creek Backcountry Campsite
- Garner Creek
- John H. Moss Lake City Campground
- Hounds Gateway Campground
- Kings Mountain State Park
Fishing spots
- Mountain Island Park Fishing Access
- Johns Creek Lake
- Sedalia Lake
- Macedonia Lake
- Pittman Lake
- Benfield Creek
Track Gaston Shoals Lower in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Gaston Shoals Lower
Where does the data for Gaston Shoals Lower 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 Low 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Gaston Shoals Lower .