Elevation Of Reservoir Water Surface Above Datum, Ft 24hr Change | -0.1% |
Percent of Normal | 100% |
Minimum |
327.6 ft
2021-11-20 |
Maximum |
341.49 ft
2024-09-29 |
Average | 332 ft |
Dam_Height | 24.5 |
Hydraulic_Height | 25 |
Drainage_Area | 2730 |
Year_Completed | 1905 |
Nid_Storage | 1492 |
Structural_Height | 32 |
River_Or_Stream | Broad River |
Foundations | Rock |
Surface_Area | 550 |
Hazard_Potential | Low |
Outlet_Gates | Slide (sluice gate) - 2 |
Dam_Length | 1295 |
Primary_Dam_Type | Concrete |
Nid_Height | 32 |
Neal Shoals is a concrete multi-arch dam located on the Broad River in Union, South Carolina. Completed in 1905, this hydroelectric structure stands at a height of 24.5 feet and has a structural height of 32 feet. With a capacity to store up to 1492 acre-feet of water and a maximum discharge rate of 4000 cubic feet per second, Neal Shoals plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and generating hydroelectric power in the region.
Operated by a public utility, Neal Shoals is primarily overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 987 feet and two slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term safety and efficiency.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Neal Shoals offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, energy generation, and environmental stewardship. As a historic hydroelectric facility with a century-old legacy, this dam continues to serve as a vital resource for water management and renewable energy production in the picturesque landscapes of Union, South Carolina.