Oolenoy River Wcd Dam 10 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.