A structural engineer assessed the Lake Lure dam in North Carolina and determined its failure is not imminent. The dam overtopped after Hurricane Helene hit the area, prompting evacuations and warnings of potential failure. Despite damage reported earlier, the dam was found to be in stable condition and power has been restored. Difficult travel conditions and lack of cell service mean evacuated residents may not be able to return home immediately. Concerns about the dam failing were alleviated by the engineer’s assessment, as well as another potential dam failure at Walters Dam less than 100 miles away that did not happen.
The Lake Lure dam, located east of Asheville, serves as a hydroelectric dam on the Broad River. Recent extreme rainfall, including 8 to 16 inches in the area, exacerbated concerns about dam failures. The town of Lake Lure has been working to replace the aging dam and has received grants for the project. Meanwhile, confusion arose in Newport, Tennessee, regarding false claims of a catastrophic failure of the Walters Dam.
The incidents highlight the aging infrastructure of America’s dams, with many needing costly restoration to withstand intense rain events caused by climate change. The lack of designs for today’s climate and the encroachment of people into inundation zones below dams further exacerbate the risks associated with dam failures. efforts by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials to address these issues and prevent future disasters.
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