Wake County is set to enhance its water monitoring capabilities by installing real-time water level monitoring systems at nine flood control sites within the Crabtree Creek Watershed. This initiative follows the installation of a similar system at Lake Crabtree last year. The sites, which include several dams, are crucial for managing flooding in the area.
“These technologies will help us keep a closer eye on water levels and dam safety,” stated Donald Mial, vice chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. He emphasized that this move aims to reduce flooding and erosion risks through improved data, quicker response times, and smarter planning.
The project is a collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which will oversee the installation, maintenance, and calibration of the equipment under a five-year contract. The data collected will be publicly accessible online, enabling residents to stay informed about current conditions. Furthermore, this system will integrate with Raleigh’s Flood Early Warning System to enhance flood data accuracy and monitoring.
The ten flood control structures in the Crabtree Creek area were constructed by the federal government in the 1970s and 1980s. These include Sorrell’s Grove Reservoir, Hatcher’s Grove Reservoir, Bond Lake, Page Lake, Richland Lake, Shelley Lake, Coles Branch Reservoir, Brier Creek Reservoir, Lake Lynn, and Lake Crabtree. Managed by Wake County General Services Administration (GSA), these structures have operated without active water level monitoring until now.
“The monitoring system is not only important for providing real-time data and analyzing risks but it will also help us improve maintenance of the dams and prevent dam failure and overtopping,” said Mark Hamlett, deputy director of Wake County GSA. He highlighted that continuous tracking of water levels allows for better management and ensures dam safety.
Overtopping occurs when water exceeds a dam’s capacity and flows over its top, potentially causing significant damage or even breaching it. The dams are designed to handle up to 40 inches of rain during storms by capturing stormwater and releasing it gradually to mitigate downstream flooding risks. Regular safety reviews by Wake County GSA aim to ensure each structure’s long-term reliability.
