Bowaters Carolina Dam 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Bowaters Carolina Dam 2, located in York, South Carolina, stands as a testament to water resource management and climate considerations.


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Summary

Built in 1957, this privately owned Earth dam serves a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply, with a storage capacity of 281 acre-feet and a structural height of 12 feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.

Situated along the Catawba River offstream, Bowaters Carolina Dam 2 plays a crucial role in the region's water management system. With a spillway width of 0 and a drainage area unspecified, this dam contributes to the conservation and utilization of water resources in the area. The inspection frequency of every 5 years and the last assessment conducted in August 2017 reflect a commitment to maintaining the dam's integrity and safety for the surrounding community.

Managed by a private entity, Bowaters Carolina Dam 2 showcases the collaboration between private ownership and state regulation in ensuring the responsible stewardship of water resources. With its historical significance and ongoing relevance in water management, this dam stands as a symbol of the intersection between human ingenuity and environmental preservation in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

CATAWBA RIVER OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Nid Storage

281

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.
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