Eloise Watson Dam

BEAVERDAM CREEK· Kershaw, South Carolina· Built 1960· 26 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Eloise Watson Dam is classified as significant hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 67% in SC)
Max Storage173 acre-ft
Normal Storage90 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDSC00482

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 14, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

HAILE O WATSON AND LYNDA STOCKMAN WATSON

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Eloise Watson Dam?

Eloise Watson Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Eloise Watson Dam?

Eloise Watson Dam is owned by HAILE O WATSON AND LYNDA STOCKMAN WATSON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Eloise Watson Dam built?

Eloise Watson Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Eloise Watson Dam?

Eloise Watson Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Eloise Watson Dam?

Eloise Watson Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Eloise Watson Dam last inspected?

Eloise Watson Dam was last inspected on October 14, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.