GS2B: Hurricane Helene: A Panel Discussion on Impacts to Dams in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee

Abstract Description: Hurricane Helene presented a significant challenge to dam safety professionals, emergency responders, and community leaders as it brought intense rainfall and flooding to the region. This panel discussion will provide a multifaceted exploration of lessons learned and best practices in dam safety, emergency response, and communication during extreme weather events. By bringing together representatives from key organizations involved in responding to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, this session aims to foster collaboration, share insights, and improve preparedness for future events.

The panel will include emergency managers, dam safety regulators, and dam owners. Potential panelists include Toby Vinson (NC DEQ Division of Energy, Mineral & Land Resources Director), Stan Aiken (Engineering Supervisor, NC DEQ Dam Safety Asheville Region), Leslie Carreiro (Assistant Director of Water Resources, City of Asheville), Dustin Waycaster (Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator, Town of Lake Lure), and representatives from TVA and Duke Energy Corporation. The discussion will be moderated by a representative who was intimately involved with the Hurricane Helene response.

The session will begin with an introduction, providing a general context for Hurricane Helene and an overview of the selected sites (Lake Lure Dam, Bee Tree Dam, North Fork Dam, Walters (Waterville) Dam, and Nolichucky Dam). A 45 to 60-minute panel discussion will follow, allowing panelists to share their experiences and insights. The session will conclude with audience questions, encouraging an interactive exchange of ideas.

Topics for the panel discussion:
• Communication Challenges: Exploring how the widespread failure of ordinary communication lines (e.g., email and cell) due to storm damage complicated coordination efforts, and how erroneous news reporting and the rapid spread of information on social media further impacted emergency response and public perception. Panelists will discuss alternative communication strategies implemented during the crisis and lessons learned for future scenarios.
• Forecasting and Preparedness: Evaluating the accuracy of forecasting models and the effectiveness of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
• Site Access and Evacuation: Discussing the logistical hurdles of reaching impacted sites and evacuating nearby communities during a storm.
• Roles and Coordination: Highlighting the critical roles played by dam owners, engineers, regulators, and emergency responders and identifying opportunities to improve collaboration.

This panel aims to provide valuable takeaways for attendees, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning, robust communication, and collaborative emergency response in enhancing dam safety and community resilience during extreme weather events.