Kenneth Merck Dam

HARTWELL LAKE· Pickens, South Carolina· 36 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Kenneth Merck Dam is classified as low hazard in South Carolina. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 88.9% in SC)
Max Storage35 acre-ft
NID IDSC02808

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 29, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

HERBERT ALLEN AND MIRIAM L ALLEN

Private

Nearby Dams

Keowee

Oconee, SC

High Hazard 170 ft

Issaqueena Lake Dam

Pickens, SC

Low Hazard 40 ft

Norton Dam

Pickens, SC

High Hazard 29 ft

Clemson Upper Diversion Dam

Oconee, SC

High Hazard 75 ft

Carl Newton Dam

Pickens, SC

Low Hazard 27 ft

Stephen Mullenix Dam

Oconee, SC

Low Hazard 30 ft

Clemson Lower Diversion Dam - Saddle Dike

Oconee, SC

High Hazard 30 ft

Praters Creek Dam

Pickens, SC

High Hazard 49 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kenneth Merck Dam?

Kenneth Merck Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Kenneth Merck Dam?

Kenneth Merck Dam is owned by HERBERT ALLEN AND MIRIAM L ALLEN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Kenneth Merck Dam?

Kenneth Merck Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Kenneth Merck Dam?

Kenneth Merck Dam has a dam height of 36 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 Kenneth Merck Dam last inspected?

Kenneth Merck Dam was last inspected on June 29, 2017. 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.