Twelve Mile Creek Wcd Dam 22 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Twelve Mile Creek WCD Dam 22, located in Pickens, South Carolina, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1960 to reduce flood risks along the North Fork Twelve Mile Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 41 feet and stretching 280 feet in length, this earth dam serves as a protective barrier against potential inundation, storing up to 1800 acre-feet of water. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, while also offering recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.

Managed by local government authorities with oversight from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Twelve Mile Creek WCD Dam 22 is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2020 rated it as fair, indicating a moderate risk level. While the dam currently operates with uncontrolled spillways and outlets, its management and maintenance protocols strive to mitigate any potential risks and uphold public safety standards.

As a significant component of the Savannah District's water resource management system, Twelve Mile Creek WCD Dam 22 exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local and federal agencies to safeguard communities from flood hazards and ensure sustainable water management practices. With its strategic location and design, this dam stands as a testament to the vital role of infrastructure in protecting our natural resources and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK TWELVEMILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Nid Storage

1800

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

41
       
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.