Leonidas Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Leonidas Dam, also known as Craven Creek Upper Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Oconee, South Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 21 feet and stretches 124 feet in length. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Leonidas Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. While the dam is considered to have a fair condition assessment as of September 2019, its Hazard Potential is classified as high, with a moderate risk assessment score. Despite these factors, the dam continues to provide a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 96 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 15 acres along the Craven Creek.

With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, Leonidas Dam offers a unique recreational opportunity for visitors in the area. Although it presents certain risks due to its hazard potential, the dam remains a significant feature in the Nashville District, providing a picturesque setting for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to appreciate and explore.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

124

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

CRAVEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Nid Storage

126

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.