Second Broad River Ws #11-15 Dam
Second Broad River Ws #11-15 Dam is an earth dam located in McDowell County, North Carolina, built in 1994. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Second Broad River Ws #11-15 Dam
The primary purpose of Second Broad River Ws #11-15 Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Rutherford County Soil/water Conservation District (local government). It impounds the Scrub Grass Branch near Union Mills.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 340 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 38 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1994, the structure is 32 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/10/2025.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The North Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | McDowell |
| Nearest City | Union Mills |
| River/Stream | Scrub Grass Branch |
| Coordinates | 35.55900, -81.98090 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Year Completed | 1994 (32 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 38 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 38 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 931 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Rutherford County Soil/Water Conservation District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/10/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC04876 |
| Federal ID | NC04876 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |