Riverkeeper: partial removal of Armstrong Ford Dam would lower summer water levels but not change highest flood weeks

Brandon Jones of the Catawba Riverkeeper presented results of a feasibility study on the Armstrong Ford Dam to the Cramerton Board of Commissioners on Feb. 2, saying full removal of the structure is not feasible and is not necessary to achieve many benefits.

Jones said the study found that Lake Wylie's highest pond levels already exceed the existing dam during the 2–3 weeks a year when the lake is at full pool, so removal would not materially change peak flood lines for those short periods. He said that for most of the year a partial removal would lower the water level by about 16 inches, which could improve safety for recreational users and produce ecological benefits.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about navigability and local impacts. Jones said surveyed average flow through the study area is approximately 200 cubic feet per second and he expects the river would remain navigable for kayaks and canoes under nearly all typical conditions. Commissioners also asked about dredging and impacts to downstream features such as Lakewood Pond; Jones said dredging and areas under Duke’s authority would require separate requests and coordination with Duke.

Jones urged adjacent municipalities to work together and seek state appropriations for flood‑mitigation funding, recommending a memorandum of understanding among towns to support legislative funding requests this session. No formal vote or commitment was taken at the meeting.