Concerns about North Carolina dam condition lead to evacuations following heavy rains

A structural engineer assessed the Lake Lure dam in North Carolina after it overtopped due to Hurricane Helene, prompting evacuations and warnings of imminent failure. However, the engineer determined that the dam was in stable condition despite earlier reports of damage. Residents were unable to return home due to hazardous conditions in the area. A similar warning of dam failure at the Walters Dam in Tennessee also did not come to fruition. The Lake Lure dam, categorized as high hazard, was eroding on one side and lost power but was operated manually, with water flowing around it. The area had experienced extreme rainfall, and efforts to replace the aging dam had been ongoing. In Newport, Tennessee, confusion arose after false reports of the Walters Dam failure were issued, prompting evacuations, but the dam was functioning as expected. Concerns about the nation’s aging dams, which are not designed for current climate conditions, have been raised, with estimates suggesting significant costs for their restoration. Additionally, data shows that several dams in the U.S. have experienced failures in recent years, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance of these crucial structures to protect public safety.

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