Watson Pond Dam dam
Watson Pond Dam
Watson Pond Dam, located in Saluda, South Carolina, was completed in 1955 and serves primarily for recreational purposes. This privately owned Earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 325 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-CLOUDS CREEK and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
Despite its low hazard potential, Watson Pond Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in October 2017. The dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, and its emergency action plan status remains unknown. With a regular inspection frequency of 5 years, it is crucial for the dam's owners to prioritize maintenance and necessary repairs to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Watson Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and maintenance. As a key recreational feature in the area, the dam's condition assessment and risk management measures are essential aspects to monitor for those interested in sustainable water resource practices and the impact of aging infrastructure on local ecosystems.
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 Watson Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mctier Creek (Rd 209) Near Monetta | 20 cfs | → |
| Bush River Nr Prosperity | 387 cfs | → |
| Saluda River At Chappells | 4,010 cfs | → |
| Little River Nr Silverstreet | 617 cfs | → |
| Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells | 4,180 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia | 770 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Watson Pond Dam.
Boat launches
- 844 Riverbend Point, Leesville, Sc 29070
- Sandlapper Way 159, Lexington County
- Cabana Way Lexington County
- Eastshore Drive 143, Lexington County
- Sassafras Lane Newberry County
- Park Marina Drive 79, Newberry County
Campgrounds
- Boggy Campground
- Faulkner Mountain Campground
- Dreher Island State Rec Area
- Aiken State Park
- Lick Fork Lake
- Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area
Fishing spots
Track Watson Pond 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 Watson Pond Dam
Where does the data for Watson Pond 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 Low 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 Watson Pond Dam.