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