Thicketty Crk Wcd 20 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thicketty Creek WCD 20, also known as Shady Grove, is a privately owned earth dam located in Cherokee County, South Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 54 feet tall and spans a length of 740 feet along the Thicketty Mountain Creek. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 503 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres.

Managed by the SC DHEC, Thicketty Creek WCD 20 has a high hazard potential and is classified as being in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2020. It operates with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, posing a moderate risk according to a risk assessment. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Thicketty Creek WCD 20 serves as a fascinating example of human intervention in managing flood risk and controlling water flow in a natural setting. Its history, design, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the complexities of maintaining and monitoring dams for the safety and protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

54

River Or Stream

THICKETTY MOUNTAIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Nid Storage

503

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

54
       
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.