Rhodhiss Dam (Lake Rhodhiss)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: Rhodhiss
NID ID: NC00104
Longitude: -81.43806
Latitude: 35.77417
County: CALDWELL
River: CATAWBA RIVER
State: NC
Nearest City: RHODHISS, NC
Owner Name: DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC
Owner Type: Private
Dam Designer: WESTERN CAROLINA POWER COMPANY
Private Dam? No
Core: Homogeneous Dam (Position)
Concrete (Type)
Known (Certainty)
Foundation: RK
Purposes: Hydroelectric
Year Completed: 1925
Dam Length: 675 feet
Dam Height: 72 feet
Structural Height: 69.5 feet
Hydraulic Height: 60 feet
Maximum Discharge: 500000 cu ft/sec
Maximum Storage: 27570 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 27570 acre-feet
Surface Area: 3515 acres
Drainage Area: 1120 square miles
Hazard Potential: High
Emergency Action Plan? Yes
Inspection Date: 2012-06-28
Inspection Frequency: 1
State Regulated Dam? No
Spillway Type: Uncontrolled
Spillway Width: 800 feet
Federal Regulatory Agency:
Federal Inspection Agency:
Source Agency:

Dam Safety For Boats

A large amount of water can be released from a dam without any warning at any time and by any means. For example, when the demand for electricity is high, the turbines at a dam may be turned on automatically, resulting in a significant increase in the downstream flow of water in only a matter of seconds.

If there's a need to release water through the sluiceways (outlets at the base of the dam), this operation can also create a great swell of discharged water downstream.

During flood operations, any or all spillway gates across the width of a dam can be opened to release upstream flood water that needs to pass to the next downstream reservoir. Upstream or downstream, even the most experienced boater with the strongest motor is no match for this strong flow of water plunging over a spillway of a dam. Even if you're boating far downstream of a spilling dam, recirculating current can pull a powerful boat upstream toward plunging water that could shred any boat.

Some dams equipped with navigation locks create turbulent water as well. When vessels pass through, strong flow is released near the exhaust ports of the wing wall of the lock.

Warning Systems At Dams

To warn reservoir users of potential danger, warning devices are installed at many dams:




Quick Links
Lake Rhodhiss News
Lake Rhodhiss Photos
Lake Rhodhiss Videos




About Us
Contact Us
Site Map
Search Site
Advertise With Us
   
Rhodhiss.LakesOnline.com
THE LAKE RHODHISS WEBSITE

Copyright 2024, Lakes Online
Privacy    |    Legal