Little River dam
Little River
Little River in South Carolina is a captivating hydroelectric dam with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1969 by DUKE POWER CO. The dam stands at an impressive height of 150 feet and stretches 1800 feet in length, providing a maximum storage capacity of 955,586 acre-feet. This dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply for the surrounding areas, making it a vital resource for the community.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Little River Dam is a key player in the region's water resource management, with a high hazard potential due to its size and location. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is not available, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness. With its scenic location along the Little River and its important role in providing renewable energy and water for the area, Little River Dam is a significant asset worth exploring and preserving for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.
As a public utility owned structure, Little River Dam is a cornerstone of the Oconee region in South Carolina, offering a blend of environmental, recreational, and economic benefits. The dam's primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation underscores its commitment to sustainable energy practices, while also providing opportunities for outdoor activities and water supply management. With its high risk assessment rating and historical significance, Little River Dam stands as a symbol of innovation and resilience in water resource management, making it a must-see destination for those passionate about protecting our planet's natural assets.
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 Little River -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Twelvemile Creek Near Liberty | 156 cfs | → |
| Chattooga River Near Clayton | 1,010 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Near Greenville | 473 cfs | → |
| Tallulah River Ab Powerhouse | 40 cfs | → |
| South Saluda River Near Cleveland | 12 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Near Williamston | 665 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Little River .
Boat launches
- High Falls Road Oconee County
- Camp Creek Road Anderson County
- Knox Road Anderson County
- Fall Creek Landing
- Landing Road Oconee County
- Crow Creek Access Road Pickens County
Campgrounds
- South Cove
- South Cove County Park
- High Falls County Park
- Twin Lakes - Hartwell Lake
- Mile Creek County Park
- Oconee Point - Hartwell Lake
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Headwaters Just East Of Hwy 107 To Crossing Of Norton Field Road (Fs 715a)
- Confluence Of Cedar Creek To 1/4 Mile Below The Nf Boundary And Fh 110, Cobbs Bridge Road
- Beginning Just Upstream Of Townes Creek,Wash Branch And Crane Creek To Confluence With Kings Creek
- South Of Cedar Creek Rifle Range To Confluence With Chauga River
- 1/4 Mile Below Fs 745 And Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp To Confluence Of Cedar Creek
- Crpssing Of Land Bridge Road, Sc 196 To 1/4 Mile Below Fs 745 And Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp
Track Little River 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 Little River
Where does the data for Little River 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 Little River .