Elijah Rodgers Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Elijah Rodgers Dam, located in Saluda, South Carolina, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance.


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Summary

This private earth dam, completed in 1955, stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 375 feet, with a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-DRY CREEK under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC).

The dam's condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in October 2017, with a low hazard potential. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated and permitted by the state, with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure safety and compliance. The surrounding area offers approximately 15 acres of surface area, making it a suitable location for recreational activities in addition to its primary purposes.

Elijah Rodgers Dam, managed and maintained by a private entity, plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Its strategic location and design not only cater to specific needs like fire protection and stock maintenance but also offer recreational opportunities for the local community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper regulation and maintenance of structures like Elijah Rodgers Dam are essential to ensure sustainable water management practices for future generations.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Nid Storage

165

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. 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

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, 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.