Clemson Upper Diversion Dam dam
Clemson Upper Diversion Dam
The Clemson Upper Diversion Dam, located on the Seneca River in South Carolina, was completed in 1961 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood risk reduction purposes. Standing at 75 feet tall with a volume of 1,700,000 cubic yards, the dam plays a crucial role in preventing Lake Hartwell from flooding the lower elevations of Clemson University. The dam has undergone modifications over the years, including the installation of seismic shear walls to enhance stability during earthquakes and subsurface concrete cutoff walls to address seepage issues. While there is still a slight risk of seepage-related embankment failure, overall, the risk of dam failure is considered low.
The risk assessment conducted by USACE in 2018 categorized the Clemson Diversion Dams as low risk, with the Lower Diversion Dam Saddle Dike posing a moderate risk due to potential seepage-related erosion. Additionally, the USACE pumping station faces a small flood risk during heavy rain events, especially with recent development in low-lying areas of Clemson University. To mitigate these risks, USACE implements various risk management measures, including regular inspections, emergency action plan updates, and coordination with local and state emergency managers. Monitoring and maintenance efforts are focused on detecting and addressing any potential safety issues, with close collaboration with Clemson University personnel during storm events to manage pumping station operations effectively.
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 Clemson Upper Diversion Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Twelvemile Creek Near Liberty | 51 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Near Williamston | 358 cfs | → |
| Saluda River Near Greenville | 285 cfs | → |
| Rocky River Nr Starr | 34 cfs | → |
| Chattooga River Near Clayton | 258 cfs | → |
| South Saluda River Near Cleveland | 5 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Clemson Upper Diversion Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Clemson Upper Diversion Dam
Where does the data for Clemson Upper Diversion 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 High 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 below 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.
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.