Praters Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Praters Creek Dam, located in Pickens, South Carolina, serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along Praters Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1956, this privately-owned earth dam stands at a height of 49 feet, with a storage capacity of 550 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam has been regularly inspected and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Praters Creek Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam has a structural length of 118 feet and a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 6 acres. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, prompting a biennial inspection frequency to assess its condition and address any necessary maintenance or repairs.

Although lacking certain features like spillways or outlet gates, Praters Creek Dam remains a key component in managing water resources and climate-related risks in the region. The dam's significance lies in its ability to mitigate flood risks and safeguard the community, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood protection.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

118

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

PRATERS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

550

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

49
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.