Great Falls-Dearborn Dam
Key Takeaway
Great Falls-Dearborn Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 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 | 113 ft (taller than 99.5% in SC) |
| Dam Length | 950 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 450 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,140 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
| NID ID | SC00140 |
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
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What is the hazard classification of Great Falls-Dearborn Dam?
Great Falls-Dearborn 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 Great Falls-Dearborn Dam?
Great Falls-Dearborn Dam is owned by Duke Energy (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Great Falls-Dearborn Dam built?
Great Falls-Dearborn Dam was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Great Falls-Dearborn Dam?
Great Falls-Dearborn 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 Great Falls-Dearborn Dam?
Great Falls-Dearborn Dam has a dam height of 113 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 Great Falls-Dearborn Dam last inspected?
Great Falls-Dearborn Dam was last inspected on May 11, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.