International Paper Dam dam
International Paper Dam
The International Paper Dam, also known as the Union Camp Dam, is a privately owned structure located on the Wateree River offstream in Richland, South Carolina. Completed in 1984, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 2946 acre-feet. With a surface area of 198 acres, the dam serves a primary purpose that is categorized as "Other," indicating its significance in water resource management beyond traditional functions.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the International Paper Dam has been assessed to have a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has proven to meet regulatory standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. With an uncontrolled spillway type and a reassuring emergency action plan, the International Paper Dam stands as a reliable structure contributing to the water management infrastructure in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as an example of responsible ownership and efficient operation in safeguarding the local waterways.
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 International Paper Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wateree R. Bl Eastover | 2,400 cfs | → |
| Gills Creek At Columbia | 27 cfs | → |
| Congaree River At Columbia | 10,200 cfs | → |
| Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia | 4 cfs | → |
| Wateree River Nr. Camden | 3,960 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Near Columbia | 2,670 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near International Paper Dam.
Boat launches
- Us 601 Calhoun County
- Landing Lane Calhoun County
- Coveside Circle 28, Calhoun County
- Palmetto Trail Lake Marion Passage Clarendon County
- Boy Scout Circle Orangeburg County
- Morning Sun Court 98, Richland County
Track International Paper Dam 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 International Paper Dam
Where does the data for International Paper Dam 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 Low 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 International Paper Dam.