Saluda Dam, South Carolina, USA

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Quick Facts About Saluda Dam

Location: Lexington, South Carolina
Coordinates: 34.0528, -81.2186
River: Saluda River
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric
Type: Earth
Commissioned: 1930
Dam Height: 213 ft (65 m)
Dam Length: 7,800 ft (2,377 m)
Dam Capacity: 2,200,000 acre-ft (2,713,656 Ml)

Saluda Dam Map

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Saluda Dam Information

Saluda Dam is an earthen embankment dam located about 3 miles from Irmo, Lexington, South Carolina.

The dam, which is on the Saluda River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for benefits.

The dam was designed by MURRAY & FLOOD, NEW YORK CITY and commissioned in 1930 and is currently owned by South Carolina Electric and Gas Company.

Saluda Dam Structure

The Saluda Dam is approximately 7,800 feet (2,377 m) long, 213 feet (65 m) high and has a structural volume of 11,000,000 cubic yards (8,410,105 cubic metres).

Saluda Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 2,100,000 acre-ft (2,590,308 Ml) and maximum capacity of 2,200,000 acre-ft (2,713,656 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 48,000 acres (19,425 ha) and the total catchment area is 2,420 square miles (6,268 square kilometres).

Saluda Dam Spillway

The dam has a 299 feet (91 m) wide controlled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 197000 cubic feet per second (5578 cubic metres per second).

Saluda Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

Saluda Dam
Lexington, South Carolina
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 213 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 7,800 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 2,200,000 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 2,420 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

Saluda Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Saluda Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Saluda Dam

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Saluda Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Saluda Dam?

Saluda Dam is in South Carolina.

In which county is the Saluda Dam?

Saluda Dam is in Lexington County.

How high is the Saluda Dam?

Saluda Dam is 213 feet high.

How long is the Saluda Dam?

Saluda Dam is 7,800 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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