Pickens City Reservoir Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Pickens, South Carolina, the Pickens City Reservoir Lake Dam is a crucial water supply structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1956.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 350 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 789 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves the purpose of water supply, drawing from the TWELVEMILE CREEK.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the SC DHEC, the Pickens City Reservoir Lake Dam has a fair condition assessment with a high hazard potential. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has a spillway type of uncontrolled and is surrounded by a surface area of 79.6 acres. With its last inspection in January 2020, the dam is regularly monitored and inspected for safety and compliance, ensuring the protection of the surrounding community and environment.

With its rich history and vital role in water resource management, the Pickens City Reservoir Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, the Pickens City Reservoir Lake Dam offers insight into the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship in safeguarding our water supply for future generations.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TWELVEMILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

79.6

Nid Storage

789

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.