Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug dam
Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug
Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug, located in Greenwood, South Carolina, is a vital piece of infrastructure managed by the local government for hydroelectric purposes. Completed in 1940, this earth dam stands at 11 feet high and spans 200 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 256,000 acre-feet. Situated on the Saluda River, this structure not only generates hydroelectric power but also provides recreational opportunities for the community at Lake Murray.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug has a high hazard potential due to its location and the volume of water it holds. Despite its age, the dam remains in moderate risk condition, with regular inspections scheduled to ensure its safety and effectiveness. With a spillway width of 200 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 34,856.9 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and preventing flooding downstream.
Although not regulated by the state, Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug is a key component of the region's water resource infrastructure and a symbol of sustainable energy production. With its historical significance and ongoing contribution to the local community, this earth dam continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of technology, conservation, and recreation.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells | 4,240 cfs | → |
| Saluda River At Chappells | 4,110 cfs | → |
| Little River Nr Silverstreet | 231 cfs | → |
| Bush River Nr Prosperity | 169 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Near Ware Shoals | 1,590 cfs | → |
| South Rabon Creek Near Gray Court | 100 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug .
Boat launches
- Arrowhead Drive Greenwood County
- 844 Riverbend Point, Leesville, Sc 29070
- Garlington Drive Laurens County
- Sassafras Lane Newberry County
- Park Marina Drive 79, Newberry County
- Highway 28, Mccormick
Campgrounds
- Lake Greenwood State Park
- Boggy Campground
- Faulkner Mountain Campground
- Brick House Campground
- Brick House
- Parsons Mountain Lake
Fishing spots
Track Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug
Where does the data for Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Buzzards Roost Fuse Plug .