Spencer Mountain-canal Embankment

Spencer Mountain-canal Embankment is a dam located in Gaston County, North Carolina, built in 1905. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Spencer Mountain-canal Embankment

The primary purpose of Spencer Mountain-canal Embankment is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the South Fork Catawba River near Mcadenville.

The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 3,644 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 69 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 166 acre-feet. Completed in 1905, the structure is over a century old.

This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 04/27/2022.

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Low HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Not Required

Location

StateNorth Carolina
CountyGaston
Nearest CityMcadenville
River/StreamSouth Fork Catawba River
Coordinates35.30970, -81.10550

Physical Characteristics

NID Height13 ft
Dam Height10 ft
Dam Length3,644 ft
Year Completed1905 (121 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage166 acre-ft
Max Storage166 acre-ft
Normal Storage166 acre-ft
Surface Area69 acres
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
Owner TypeNot Listed
Hazard ClassificationLow
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection04/27/2022
Emergency Action PlanNot Required

Identifiers

NID IDNC06532
Federal IDNC06531S001
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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