Saluda Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Saluda, also known as Lake Murray, is a public utility hydroelectric dam located in Lexington, South Carolina.


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Summary

Constructed in 1930 by Murray & Flood of New York City, this Earth-type dam stands at 213 feet in height and spans 7800 feet in length. With a normal storage capacity of 2.1 million acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 197,000 cubic feet per second, Saluda plays a crucial role in providing renewable energy and water supply to the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Saluda's spillway is of the controlled type with a width of 299 feet, ensuring efficient water flow management. The dam's associated structures include Tainter radial gates and a hazard potential rating of High, emphasizing the need for thorough risk assessment and management. Despite its age, Saluda remains a key component of the local water resource infrastructure and continues to operate with a risk assessment rank of Very High (1).

Saluda's strategic location on the Saluda River, in close proximity to Irmo, makes it a significant landmark in the Savannah District. With its rich history, impressive structural design, and essential role in water resource management, Saluda stands as a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of its designers and remains a vital asset for both energy generation and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

7800

Dam Height

213

River Or Stream

Saluda

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

48000

Hydraulic Height

205

Drainage Area

2420

Nid Storage

2200000

Structural Height

234

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 6

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

234
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.