Lake Bowen Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Bowen Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 55 ft (taller than 97.7% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 32.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,450 acres |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | SC00739 |
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
CITY OF SPARTANBURG
Local Government
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High Hazard 74 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Bowen Dam?
Lake Bowen 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 Lake Bowen Dam?
Lake Bowen Dam is owned by CITY OF SPARTANBURG (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Bowen Dam built?
Lake Bowen Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Lake Bowen Dam?
Lake Bowen Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Bowen Dam?
Lake Bowen Dam has a dam height of 55 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 Lake Bowen Dam last inspected?
Lake Bowen Dam was last inspected on April 5, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.