Nick Vatis Dam, located in Oconee County, South Carolina, stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1955, this private-owned Earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts. With a height of 27 feet and a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet, the dam provides vital water storage and flood control benefits for the surrounding area.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Nick Vatis Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2019, the dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its location on Craven Creek. Emergency action plans are in place, although their last revision dates back to 2016, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and risk management to safeguard the community and the environment.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Nick Vatis Dam contributes to the sustainable development of the region, demonstrating the importance of responsible dam operation and maintenance in the face of evolving climate conditions. With its picturesque surroundings and crucial role in water management, this dam serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between water resources, climate resilience, and community well-being.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
273 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CRAVEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Nid Storage |
144 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cherry Hill Recreation Area
|
||
Devils Fork State Park
|
||
Sandy Beach Campsite
|
||
Oconee State Park
|
||
Burrells Ford
|
||
Keowee - Toxaway State Natural Area
|
Beginning Just Upstream Of Townes Creek,Wash Branch And Crane Creek To Confluence With Kings Creek
Headwaters Just East Of Hwy 107 To Crossing Of Norton Field Road (Fs 715A)
Sloan'S Bridge Crossing To 1/4 Mile Above The Walhalla Fish Hatchery
1/4 Mile Above The Walhalla Fish Hatchery To 1/4 Mile Below The Walhalla Fish Hatchery
Headwaters To Sloan'S Bridge Crossing, Crossing Of Sc 107
1/4 Mile Below Walhalla Fish Hatchery To Boundary Of Chattooga Wsr