Columbia Diversion Dam dam
Columbia Diversion Dam
The Columbia Diversion Dam, located in Columbia, South Carolina, was completed in 1882 and serves as a vital structure for hydroelectric power generation and water supply purposes. This timber crib dam, with a height of 18 feet and a length of 1020 feet, harnesses the power of the Broad River to provide storage capacity of 800 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 28,000 cubic feet per second. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 1000 feet, helps manage water flow during periods of high demand or heavy rainfall.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Columbia Diversion Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its age and condition, which is currently not available for assessment. Despite being a multi-arch dam built on a rock foundation, the dam's risk is categorized as moderate, with a designated emergency action plan in place for potential threats. With two outlet gates and associated structures, the dam plays a crucial role in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
As a key component of the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Columbia Diversion Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and natural resources. With its historical significance and ongoing role in power generation and water supply, this dam continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the complexities of managing water infrastructure in an ever-changing environment.
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 Columbia Diversion Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Saluda River Near Columbia | 2,620 cfs | → |
| Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia | 2 cfs | → |
| Congaree River At Columbia | 9,260 cfs | → |
| Gills Creek At Columbia | 44 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia | 2,400 cfs | → |
| Broad River At Alston | 4,010 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Columbia Diversion Dam .
Boat launches
- Highway 6 6, Columbia
- Lake Carolina Drive Richland County
- Morning Sun Court 98, Richland County
- Cove Launch Court Lexington County
- Cabana Way Lexington County
- Eastshore Drive 143, Lexington County
Track Columbia Diversion 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 Columbia Diversion Dam
Where does the data for Columbia Diversion 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 Significant 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 Columbia Diversion Dam .