Gaston Shoals Middle
Gaston Shoals Middle is a concrete dam located in Cherokee County, South Carolina, built in 1917. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Gaston Shoals Middle
The primary purpose of Gaston Shoals Middle is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Northbrook Carolina Hydro Ii, Llc (private). It impounds the Broad River near Cherokee Falls Dam.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 381 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 251 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,300 square miles. Completed in 1917, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 09/20/2022.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Cherokee |
| Nearest City | Cherokee Falls Dam |
| River/Stream | Broad River |
| Coordinates | 35.13894, -81.59965 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 381 ft |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 251 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,300 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 54,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Northbrook Carolina Hydro II, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/20/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SC01075 |
| Federal ID | SC01075S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |