North Carolina dam withstands heavy rains, but condition prompts evacuations

A structural engineer assessed the Lake Lure dam in western North Carolina after it overtopped due to Hurricane Helene, prompting evacuation warnings. Despite initial concerns, the engineer declared the dam stable and not at risk of immediate failure. The dam lost power briefly but has been restored. Residents who evacuated were advised not to return due to hazardous conditions in the area. Another dam, the Walters Dam in Tennessee, also faced concerns of potential failure but did not breach, leading to downstream evacuations. The Lake Lure dam is classified as high hazard, with 44,914 acre-feet of storage capacity, and has received grants for replacement efforts. The area has been experiencing extreme rainfall, with 8 to 16 inches in recent days. Confusion arose in Newport, Tennessee, over false alarm warnings of the Walters Dam failure, but officials maintained evacuation orders. Overall, America’s aging dams pose a growing risk due to climate change and the need for costly restoration. From 2013 to 2023, 283 dams in the U.S. experienced failures, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and preparedness in the face of changing weather patterns.

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