Second Broad River Ws #11-5 Dam
Second Broad River Ws #11-5 Dam is an earth dam located in McDowell County, North Carolina, built in 1994. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Second Broad River Ws #11-5 Dam
The primary purpose of Second Broad River Ws #11-5 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 Hicks Branch near Union Mills.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 465 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1994, the structure is 32 years 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/10/2025.
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 | Hicks Branch |
| Coordinates | 35.58890, -82.01340 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Length | 465 ft |
| Year Completed | 1994 (32 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 364 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Rutherford County Soil/Water Conservation District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/10/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC04878 |
| Federal ID | NC04878 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |