Weaverville Town Administrator Michael Boaz and Fire Chief Jeff Hooper were on the scene inspecting the situation. As of press time, inspectors from the state had been called to perform a safety inspection on the dam, and attempts were being made to determine and contact the owner of the dam.
Boaz estimated the dam’s age may have been the primary cause of the failure. He suggested that it could be near 200 years old. A water wheel to the old grist mill which use to be at the site, stood nearby.
Initial determinations were that there was no danger to anyone, as long as they stayed a safe distance of about 20 or 30 feet away, and out of the channel. Boaz noted that the area would be closed to the public until further notice.
Boaz does not expect for the break to have any affect on public works. When asked if there were any plans for repairs, “We’re unsure what the plan of attack will be,” Boaz said, noting that repair decisions would be made following the NC State Dam Inspectors evaluation.