Dennon Jones Lower Dam dam
Dennon Jones Lower Dam
Dennon Jones Lower Dam, also known as Dorthy Jones Dam 2, is a private-owned structure located in Laurens, South Carolina. Built in 1959, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans a length of 360 feet, creating a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet with a primary purpose of recreation. Situated on TR-BEAVERDAM CREEK, this dam offers a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore the surrounding area and enjoy various recreational activities.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is in poor condition as of the last assessment in 2017. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) oversees the state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of this structure to ensure public safety and environmental protection. With a limited inspection frequency of every 5 years, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize maintenance and potentially consider rehabilitation measures to address the dam's deteriorating condition.
As an integral part of the local water management infrastructure, Dennon Jones Lower Dam serves as a valuable resource for the community. With proper care and attention, this dam can continue to provide recreational opportunities while safeguarding the surrounding area against potential risks and hazards. Engaging with state regulators and implementing necessary maintenance actions will be crucial in preserving this structure for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Dennon Jones Lower Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Rabon Creek Near Gray Court | 190 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Near Ware Shoals | 2,600 cfs | → |
| Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells | 9,240 cfs | → |
| Enoree River Near Woodruff | 2,220 cfs | → |
| Saluda River At Chappells | 9,230 cfs | → |
| Little River Nr Silverstreet | 1,050 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Dennon Jones Lower Dam.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Lake Greenwood State Park
- Brick House
- Brick House Campground
- Sedalia
- Sedalia Campground
- Parsons Mountain Lake
Fishing spots
Track Dennon Jones Lower Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Dennon Jones Lower Dam
Where does the data for Dennon Jones Lower Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Dennon Jones Lower Dam.