Located in Oconee, South Carolina, Chattooga Lake Dam, also known as Fowlers Lake Dam, was completed in 1954 for the primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
This private dam, designed by USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 57 feet and spans a length of 540 feet. With a storage capacity of 1422 acre-feet and a normal storage volume of 853 acre-feet, the dam creates a surface area of 44.9 acres and regulates the flow of Taylor Creek.
Maintained by the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, Chattooga Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of September 2020. Although the spillway is uncontrolled and the outlet gates remain unregulated, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate (3). The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in June 2019, and regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chattooga Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam supporting recreational activities in a scenic natural setting. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam serves as a vital component of the region's water management infrastructure, providing both storage capacity and flood control measures. Despite its high hazard potential, ongoing inspections and risk assessments are in place to mitigate potential risks and ensure the continued safety of the dam and surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
57 |
River Or Stream |
TAYLOR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
44.9 |
Nid Storage |
1422 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
57 |
Chattooga River Near Clayton
|
301cfs |
Tallulah River Ab Powerhouse
|
45cfs |
Tallulah River Near Clayton
|
152cfs |
Little Tennessee River Near Prentiss
|
236cfs |
Cartoogechaye Creek Near Franklin
|
261cfs |
Little Tennessee R At Franklin
|
1050cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Long Bottom Ford
|
||
Oconee State Park
|
||
Sandy Beach Campsite
|
||
Cherry Hill Recreation Area
|
||
Burrells Ford
|
||
Sarah's Creek Campground
|
Highway 28 to Earl's Ford (Section 2)
Headwaters Just East Of Hwy 107 To Crossing Of Norton Field Road (Fs 715A)
Earl's Ford to Route 76 (Section 3)
Beginning Just Upstream Of Townes Creek,Wash Branch And Crane Creek To Confluence With Kings Creek
Burrels Ford to Lick Log Branch (Section 1)
Ga/Nc State Line To 2 Miles Downriver