After heavy rains, North Carolina dam is secure despite concerns that prompt evacuations

A structural engineer assessed the Lake Lure dam in North Carolina on Friday after Hurricane Helene caused flooding in the area, prompting warnings of dam failure. Despite earlier reports of damage, the engineer found the dam in stable condition, although residents were still unable to return home due to hazardous conditions in the area and lack of cell service. Concerns about a potential dam failure at the Walters Dam in Tennessee also proved to be unfounded, but residents were still asked to evacuate due to flooding downstream. Both dams experienced erosion and loss of power, with emergency personnel working to ensure safety. Lake Lure’s dam is considered high hazard, and efforts to replace it have been ongoing for several years. The aging infrastructure of many dams in the U.S. poses a risk, with billions of dollars needed for restoration, particularly as climate change leads to more intense rainfall events. Despite the challenges, most dam failures in recent years have not resulted in public safety issues, although proper maintenance and updates are crucial to prevent disaster.

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