Brushy Creek Wcd Dam-Tripp 18 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Brushy Creek WCD Dam-Tripp 18, located in Anderson, South Carolina, is a significant earth dam designed by USDA NRCS in 1961 for flood risk reduction along the Little Brushy Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 45 feet and a length of 640 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 1098 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 136 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated by SC DHEC and has a high hazard potential, although its condition is assessed as fair as of the last inspection in February 2020.

Managed by local government and private entities, Brushy Creek WCD Dam-Tripp 18 is a crucial structure for mitigating flood risks in the area. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam has been deemed to have a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment score of 3. The dam's location in Anderson County, South Carolina, along with its historical significance in flood management, makes it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure and environmental protection.

As one of the key flood risk reduction structures in the region, Brushy Creek WCD Dam-Tripp 18 serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government, private entities, and USDA NRCS in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events. Its adherence to state regulations, periodic inspections, and fair condition assessment underscore the commitment to maintaining its functionality and ensuring the safety of residents in the surrounding areas. For those passionate about water resource management and climate resilience, this dam stands as a symbol of proactive measures taken to address the challenges posed by climate change and protect vulnerable communities from the threat of flooding.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

LITTLE BRUSHY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Nid Storage

1098

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

45
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.