Little River Wcd Dam 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little River WCD Dam 4, located in Laurens, South Carolina, was completed in 1987 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 425 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of flooding in the area while also serving as a source of water resource management.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Little River WCD Dam 4 is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam is classified with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, with a moderate risk level. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type and outlet gates contribute to the dam's operational efficiency. With a history of periodic inspections and a designated emergency action plan, the dam is well-prepared to manage any potential risks and ensure public safety in case of emergencies.

Overall, Little River WCD Dam 4 stands as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, showcasing the collaborative efforts between local government, federal agencies, and regulatory bodies to safeguard water resources and communities against natural disasters. Its strategic location along the Little River stream underscores its importance in maintaining the ecological balance and resilience of the surrounding area in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Nid Storage

147

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.