Aug 19, 2026 - This NEVER Happened Before at This Dam
Hydrodams MUST open flood gates or catastrophic flooding could happen. At Duke Energy`s Cowans Ford Hydro Station, water from Lake Norman flows through hydroelectric generators to help power the Carolinas. But when water levels rise too high, another critical system comes into play: the flood gates. In this video, learn how the station`s 11 spillway gates help protect the dam, manage water levels, and reduce flood risk downstream. During Hurricane Helene, operators experienced a historic event that had never occurred in the station`s history, requiring multiple flood gates to be opened simultaneously. Discover: ✅ How flood gates work ✅ Why dams release water during storms ✅ How hydropower stations balance power generation and safety ✅ The role Lake Norman plays in hydroelectric generation ✅ What made this event so unusual