Gertrude Harris Dam

CHUCKY BRANCH· Pickens, South Carolina· Built 1955· 24 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Gertrude Harris Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 24 ft (taller than 59.6% in SC)
Max Storage72 acre-ft
Normal Storage55 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDSC00703

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 21, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

HEART RIDGE LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gertrude Harris Dam?

Gertrude Harris 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 Gertrude Harris Dam?

Gertrude Harris Dam is owned by HEART RIDGE LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gertrude Harris Dam built?

Gertrude Harris Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Gertrude Harris Dam?

Gertrude Harris 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 Gertrude Harris Dam?

Gertrude Harris Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Gertrude Harris Dam last inspected?

Gertrude Harris Dam was last inspected on September 21, 2022. 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.