Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam)
Key Takeaway
Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam) is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 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 | 155 ft (taller than 99.7% in SC) |
| Dam Length | 4,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 400.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 390.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6,650 acres |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
| NID ID | SC83025 |
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
South Carolina Electric and Gas Company
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Summer Cat I Emergency Cooling Water
Fairfield, SC
Low Hazard 113 ftParr Shoals Dam
Newberry, SC
High Hazard 52 ftGeorge F Coleman Dam
Fairfield, SC
Low Hazard 22 ftMacfie Pond Dam
Fairfield, SC
Low Hazard 23 ftChigger Lake Dam
Newberry, SC
Low Hazard 31 ftJames Mason Pond Dam
Fairfield, SC
Low Hazard 27 ftHawkins Pond Dam
Fairfield, SC
Low Hazard 23 ftMartha Westbrook Pond Dam
Fairfield, SC
Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam)?
Fairfield Dam B (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 Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam)?
Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam) is owned by South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam) built?
Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam) was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam)?
Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam) serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam)?
Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam) has a dam height of 155 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 Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam) last inspected?
Fairfield Dam B (Main Dam) was last inspected on October 20, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.