Wateree Creek Wcd Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Wateree Creek WCD Dam 1, located in Fairfield, South Carolina, was completed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a crucial element in flood risk reduction for the area.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam stands at 42 feet tall and spans 750 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1285 acre-feet. The dam is primarily regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), ensuring that it meets all necessary state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Despite its age, Wateree Creek WCD Dam 1 remains in fair condition with a low hazard potential, as assessed in May 2017. The dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, contributing to its flood risk reduction capabilities. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, it continues to meet guidelines for emergency action plans and inundation maps. With its efficient design and maintenance, Wateree Creek WCD Dam 1 stands as a testament to effective water resource management in South Carolina, providing essential protection for the surrounding area in times of heightened water levels.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
BIG WATEREE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Nid Storage |
1285 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rocky Creek At Great Falls
|
11cfs |
Fishing Creek Below Fort Lawn
|
32cfs |
Broad River Near Carlisle
|
1320cfs |
Broad River At Alston
|
1810cfs |
Tyger River Near Delta
|
469cfs |
Catawba River Below Catawba
|
1610cfs |
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.
Wateree Creek Wcd Dam 1