Mountain Springs Lake Dam, also known as Rochester Pond Dam, is a private dam located in Oconee, South Carolina.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and stretches 340 feet in length, creating a serene 6-acre recreational lake. While its primary purpose is for recreation, the dam is also state-regulated by SC DHEC and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Mountain Springs Lake Dam continues to provide a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts in South Carolina. With a normal storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 59 acre-feet, the dam offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking to enjoy the beauty of the TR-Little River. Although the dam's spillway is uncontrolled, efforts are being made to manage the risk associated with the dam, with a moderate risk assessment currently in place.
As a key feature in the Nashville District, Mountain Springs Lake Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of human engineering and natural beauty. With its historic construction and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and managing our water infrastructure for both recreational and environmental purposes in the state of South Carolina.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
Beginning Just Upstream Of Townes Creek,Wash Branch And Crane Creek To Confluence With Kings Creek
Headwaters Just East Of Hwy 107 To Crossing Of Norton Field Road (Fs 715A)
Sloan'S Bridge Crossing To 1/4 Mile Above The Walhalla Fish Hatchery
1/4 Mile Above The Walhalla Fish Hatchery To 1/4 Mile Below The Walhalla Fish Hatchery
Headwaters To Sloan'S Bridge Crossing, Crossing Of Sc 107
1/4 Mile Below Walhalla Fish Hatchery To Boundary Of Chattooga Wsr