Ralph J Mcclendon Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ralph J McClendon Dam, located in Greenwood, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure that stands as a vital part of the community's water resource management.
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Summary
Completed in 1998, this earth dam spans 350 feet in length and reaches a height of 19 feet, providing a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves the purpose of recreation, offering a surface area of 6 acres for visitors to enjoy various activities.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in December 2017. With a regular inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans to mitigate any potential risks and ensure public safety in case of emergencies.
Situated on the TR-Saluda River, the Ralph J McClendon Dam contributes to the overall water resource management in the region, offering recreational opportunities while adhering to strict regulatory standards. As a crucial element of the local landscape, this dam showcases the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions, making it a key asset for both water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and learn from.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SALUDA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells
|
1090cfs |
Saluda River At Chappells
|
1220cfs |
Little River Nr Silverstreet
|
94cfs |
Saluda River Near Ware Shoals
|
503cfs |
South Rabon Creek Near Gray Court
|
17cfs |
Bush River Nr Prosperity
|
58cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Ralph J Mcclendon Dam