Browns Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Browns Lake Dam, located in Oconee, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 690 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 141 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 205 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, which is controlled, ensures the safety and stability of the structure.

Although the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, its condition assessment is rated as fair as of the last inspection in November 2019. The risk assessment for Browns Lake Dam indicates a very high risk level, with a DSAC assigned date and risk management measures currently unavailable. Despite these challenges, the dam continues to serve as a recreational resource for the local community, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

690

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-CANE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Nid Storage

205

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.