Apalache Millpond Dam dam
Apalache Millpond Dam
Apalache Millpond Dam, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, stands as a historic masonry structure completed in 1904 with a primary purpose of recreation. With a dam height of 45 feet and a length of 380 feet, this dam boasts a storage capacity of 2748 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource in the region. The dam sits on the South Tyger River and is regulated by the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, with inspections occurring regularly to ensure its fair condition and high hazard potential are managed effectively.
This picturesque dam not only serves as a recreational hub but also contributes to water supply functions in the area, highlighting its dual purposes. The dam's foundation rests on rock and soil, showcasing its sturdy construction over the years. Despite its age, the Apalache Millpond Dam continues to play a vital role in water management and conservation efforts, aligning with the state's commitment to safeguarding its water resources. Additionally, its location in the Charleston District adds to its significance within the larger water infrastructure network of the region.
The dam's fair condition, high hazard potential, and the regular inspection schedule underscore the importance of maintaining and managing this key water structure effectively. As a focal point for water enthusiasts and climate advocates, the Apalache Millpond Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of history, recreation, and water resource management. Its role in providing water supply and recreation opportunities underscores the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its longevity and functionality for future generations to come.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Apalache Millpond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Beaverdam Creek Above Greer | 14 cfs | → |
| Middle Tyger River Near Lyman | 7 cfs | → |
| South Tyger River Below Duncan | 22 cfs | → |
| Middle Tyger River Near Gramling | 7 cfs | → |
| Enoree River At Pelham | 48 cfs | → |
| Brushy Creek Near Greenville | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Apalache Millpond Dam.
Boat launches
- J. Verne Smith Park (Lake Robinson)
- Berry Shoals Road 370, Spartanburg County
- Anchor Park
- Buckskin Road Pickens County
- Sandy Ford Road 1925, Chesnee
- Arden Road Greenville County
Campgrounds
- Paris Mountain State Park
- Pleasant Ridge County Park
- Croft State Natural Area
- Camp Burgess Glen Lake
- Black Forest Family Camping Resort
- Table Rock State Park
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- South Fork From Confluence With Pigeon Br To Nf Boundary
- Mills River From Confluence Of North/South Forks To Confluence With Foster Creek
- North Fork From Bottom Of Spillway Of Hendersonville Reservoir To Confluence With South Fork
- Nf Boundary To Confluence With North Fork
- Dark Prong From Headwaters To Confluence East Fork And Yellowstone Prong
- East Fork From Us Highway 276 To Confluence Of Dark Prong And Yellowstone Prong
Track Apalache Millpond Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Apalache Millpond Dam
Where does the data for Apalache Millpond Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Apalache Millpond Dam.