About EAPs

Samples of Typical Dam Failures in North Carolina

Typical failure modes of earthen dams in North Carolina include:

• conduit failure and particularly aging CMPs
• uncontrolled seepage or "piping"
• overtopping of embankment
• embankment slides
• washout of earth channel emergency spillways usually the result of excavation for burried utilities

Toxaway NC Dam Failure in 1916

• after days of heavy rain, the first Toxaway Dam failed on 1916. Over 16,000 acre-feet of water roared down the gorge into South Carolina
• There was no known loss of human life. Property damage, however, was extensive

Bearwallow Dam Failure

View down Toxaway Gorge

Dam problems that can lead to failure

These photos illustrate many of the types of dam "incidents" that can rapidly become dam emergencies and trigger an Emergency Action Plan if not addressed by the dam owner soon enough. Dam owners, neighbors, or passers-by who see these types of problems at a dam should contact the state dam safety officials immediately.