Georges Creek Wcd Dam 1a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Georges Creek WCD Dam 1a, located in Pickens, South Carolina, was completed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

The dam, primarily made of earth with stone core, stands at a height of 36 feet and has a storage capacity of 1721 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 248 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

Managed by the local government and designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Georges Creek WCD Dam 1a is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The dam's condition assessment in November 2020 deemed it to be in fair condition, with a high hazard potential. Despite this, the risk assessment categorizes the dam as moderate (3), highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

With its uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates, Georges Creek WCD Dam 1a is a key component in the region's water resource management infrastructure. The dam's strategic location on TR-Burdine Creek, in conjunction with its design and purpose, underscores its critical role in safeguarding the community from potential flooding events. As climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the maintenance and upkeep of such structures are paramount in ensuring the resilience of water resources and climate adaptation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-BURDINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47

Nid Storage

1721

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.