R M Watson Dam, located in Saluda, South Carolina, is a vital water resource structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1988.
Wind
Humidity
The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres. It stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 1800 feet in length, making it a significant contributor to the water management system in the region.
Managed by a private entity, the dam is regulated and inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is classified as having low hazard potential and fair condition, with a moderate risk assessment rating. Although it has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam has been deemed to meet guidelines for emergency action plans, ensuring preparedness for any potential risks.
With its strategic location on Flat Rock Creek and its crucial role in providing irrigation water, R M Watson Dam stands as a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its infrastructure, design, and regulatory oversight make it a valuable component of the water management system in the region, serving both agricultural and environmental purposes effectively.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
1800 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
FLAT ROCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Mctier Creek (Rd 209) Near Monetta
|
20cfs |
Bush River Nr Prosperity
|
58cfs |
Saluda River At Chappells
|
1220cfs |
Little River Nr Silverstreet
|
94cfs |
Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells
|
1090cfs |
Augusta Canal Nr Augusta (Upper)
|
2080cfs |