Santee Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shaw Pond Dam Riggs Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Santee Dam, also known as Santee (Wilson) Dam, is a significant earth dam located on the Santee River in South Carolina.
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Summary
Completed in 1942, the dam stands at a height of 50 feet and serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, navigation, recreation, and water supply. With a normal storage capacity of 1.26 million acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1.3 million cubic feet per second, Santee Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Owned by the state of South Carolina, Santee Dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and has a high hazard potential due to its size and location. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 3,358 feet and is equipped with 62 Tainter (radial) gates for water release. Despite its age, the dam's risk assessment is classified as very high, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and providing essential water resources for the surrounding communities.
Situated in Berkeley County, Santee Dam not only protects the region from flooding but also contributes to the economic and environmental well-being of the area. With its impressive storage capacity, hydroelectric power generation capabilities, and recreational opportunities, Santee Dam stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity and importance of water resource management in sustaining the climate and communities it serves.
Year Completed |
1942 |
Dam Length |
40940 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
Santee River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
100000 |
Hydraulic Height |
56.8 |
Drainage Area |
14700 |
Nid Storage |
1450000 |
Structural Height |
68 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 62 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
68 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Santee River Near Pineville
|
670cfs |
Lake Moultrie Tailrace Canal At Moncks Corner
|
14700cfs |
Black River At Kingstree
|
1180cfs |
Back River At Dupont Intake Nr Kittredge
|
921cfs |
Santee River Nr Jamestown
|
1360cfs |
Edisto River Nr Givhans
|
1970cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Santee
Clarendon County