Fiddlers Cove Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fiddlers Cove Dam, located in Oconee, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1988 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans 320 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 715 acre-feet. Situated on Mud Creek, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its primary purpose of recreation, Fiddlers Cove Dam has been classified as having a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in September 2019 raised concerns about the dam's safety, prompting the need for improved risk management measures and potentially an emergency action plan (EAP). With its location in a region susceptible to extreme weather events and the potential for flooding, it is crucial for stakeholders to address the dam's maintenance and safety to prevent any potential disasters and protect the surrounding community.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Fiddlers Cove Dam highlights the importance of balancing the recreational benefits of dams with the need for proper maintenance and risk management. With its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for stakeholders to prioritize the dam's safety and implement necessary measures to mitigate risks and ensure the protection of the surrounding area. By addressing these concerns and working towards improving the dam's condition, we can better safeguard our water resources and adapt to the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

MUD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

55

Nid Storage

715

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.