Fairfield Dam D dam
Fairfield Dam D
Fairfield Dam D, located in Fairfield, South Carolina, is a significant structure designed by Gibbs & Hill in 1977 for the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. Standing at a height of 30 feet with a hydraulic height of 169 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in harnessing water resources from Frees Creek and Broad River. With a storage capacity of 400,000 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 390,000 acre-feet, the dam provides essential water management and energy production capabilities for the region.
Managed by a public utility, Fairfield Dam D is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. With a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan in place and updated emergency contacts, Fairfield Dam D stands as a vital infrastructure asset in the region's water resource and climate management efforts, contributing to both energy sustainability and water security for the local community.
As a key component of the Savannah District, Fairfield Dam D serves as a critical landmark in water resource management, demonstrating the intersection of engineering, hydrology, and environmental stewardship. With its earth dam type and stone core construction, the dam represents a blend of modern engineering techniques and natural materials, reflecting a balance between human intervention and ecological preservation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of Fairfield Dam D in sustaining the region's water supply and energy needs is essential for promoting environmental sustainability and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.
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 Fairfield Dam D -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Broad River At Alston | 3,340 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia | 2,400 cfs | → |
| Bush River Nr Prosperity | 54 cfs | → |
| Tyger River Near Delta | 333 cfs | → |
| Broad River Near Carlisle | 1,780 cfs | → |
| Enoree River At Whitmire | 364 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Fairfield Dam D .
Boat launches
- Broad River Road Newberry County
- Cove Launch Court Lexington County
- Park Marina Drive 79, Newberry County
- Sassafras Lane Newberry County
- Highway 6 6, Columbia
Track Fairfield Dam D 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 Fairfield Dam D
Where does the data for Fairfield Dam D 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 Fairfield Dam D .