Oolenoy River WCD Dam 10, located in Pickens, South Carolina, is a key structure designed by the USDA NRCS to manage flood risk along the picturesque TR-Oolenoy River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and spans 415 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 208 acre-feet to mitigate potential flooding events in the region. Managed by the local government, this dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) to ensure compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols.
With a spillway type classified as "Uncontrolled" and a hazard potential rated as "High," Oolenoy River WCD Dam 10 is a critical infrastructure designed to protect the surrounding communities from flood risks. Despite being assessed as in fair condition during the last inspection in June 2020, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts. The dam's Emergency Action Plan status and risk management measures are yet to be fully updated, suggesting the need for continued readiness and preparation in the face of potential emergencies.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Oolenoy River WCD Dam 10 represents a significant engineering feat in flood risk reduction along the TR-Oolenoy River. As a vital structure in the region's water management system, its fair condition, coupled with a moderate risk assessment, underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and emergency preparedness to safeguard the surrounding communities and environment. With its history of construction by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands as a testament to collaborative efforts between local government and federal agencies in ensuring water resource sustainability and resilience in the face of changing climate dynamics.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
415 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OOLENOY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
208 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
43 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Table Rock State Park
|
||
Cantrell Campsite
|
||
Virginia Hawkins Campsite
|
||
Laurel Fork Campsite
|
||
Keowee - Toxaway State Natural Area
|
||
Rock Creek Campsite
|