Beaverdam Creek Wcd Dam 3a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beaverdam Creek WCD Dam 3a, located in Oconee, South Carolina, stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local government and private entities in flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1981, this earth dam designed by USDA NRCS serves as a vital structure along Cleveland Creek, offering a primary purpose of flood risk reduction while also providing recreational opportunities for the community. With a height of 49 feet and a storage capacity of 2976 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of July 2019, Beaverdam Creek WCD Dam 3a still poses a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance efforts. With the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) overseeing state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, the dam remains under close scrutiny to ensure public safety and environmental protection. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates add to its risk profile, warranting ongoing risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols to mitigate potential threats.

As a key component of the flood control infrastructure in the area, Beaverdam Creek WCD Dam 3a not only safeguards the surrounding community from potential inundation but also contributes to the overall water management strategy in South Carolina. With its stone core and rock-soil foundations, this dam exemplifies the blend of natural and engineered elements essential for sustainable water resource management. Moving forward, continued collaboration among stakeholders and adherence to regulatory guidelines will be essential in maintaining the integrity and functionality of this critical piece of infrastructure in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

818

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

CLEVELAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47

Nid Storage

2976

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

49
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

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.