Nine Times Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Nine Times Dam, located in Pickens, South Carolina, is a private-owned structure designed for recreation purposes, specifically on the California Branch of the river.


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Summary

Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 285 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 161 acre-feet. Despite its scenic surface area of 9 acres, the dam is classified with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, as of the last inspection in March 2021.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a primary focus on recreation, Nine Times Dam caters to outdoor enthusiasts seeking leisure activities in the beautiful surroundings. However, its poor condition and high hazard potential highlight the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management to ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding community.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the condition of dams like Nine Times Dam becomes increasingly crucial. With its outdated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) last revised in 2017, there is a pressing need for updated risk assessments, improved management measures, and preparation for potential inundation events. As stakeholders in water resource conservation and climate resilience, it is essential to monitor and address the safety and sustainability of structures like Nine Times Dam to safeguard both the environment and public safety.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

285

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

CALIFORNIA BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Nid Storage

161

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.