Bad Creek Main Dam
Key Takeaway
Bad Creek Main Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 360 ft (taller than 99.9% in SC) |
| Dam Length | 2,600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 33.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 367 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
| NID ID | SC83011 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Duke Energy
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Edward Brower Dam
Oconee, SC
Low Hazard 31 ftNick Vatis Dam
Oconee, SC
Significant Hazard 27 ftSilver Springs Dam
Jackson, NC
High HazardLake Roberta Dam
Jackson, NC
Low HazardLeonidas Dam
Oconee, SC
High Hazard 21 ftLake Cheohee Dam
Oconee, SC
High Hazard 41 ftSapphire Lake Upper Dam
Jackson, NC
Significant HazardIntermont Dam
Transylvania, NC
High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bad Creek Main Dam?
Bad Creek Main Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bad Creek Main Dam?
Bad Creek Main Dam is owned by Duke Energy (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bad Creek Main Dam built?
Bad Creek Main Dam was completed in 1991, making it 35 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bad Creek Main Dam?
Bad Creek Main Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bad Creek Main Dam?
Bad Creek Main Dam has a dam height of 360 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bad Creek Main Dam last inspected?
Bad Creek Main Dam was last inspected on June 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.