Leonidas Dam

CRAVEN CREEK· Oconee, South Carolina· Built 1960· 21 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Leonidas Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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	21 ft (taller than 50.2% in SC)
Max Storage	126 acre-ft
Normal Storage	96 acre-ft

Surface Area	15 acres
Year Completed	1960 (66 years old)
NID ID	SC00532

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: Yes

Last Inspection: October 12, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

RAMBOR INVESTMENTS CORP

Private

Nearby Dams

Nick Vatis Dam

Oconee, SC

Significant Hazard 27 ft

Edward Brower Dam

Oconee, SC

Low Hazard 31 ft

Whitewater Lake Dam

Oconee, SC

High Hazard 37 ft

Mountain Springs Lake Dam

Oconee, SC

Significant Hazard 19 ft

Dr Stuart Clarkson Dam

Oconee, SC

Significant Hazard 26 ft

Fiddlers Cove Dam

Oconee, SC

High Hazard 34 ft

Townes Creek Dam

Oconee, SC

High Hazard 48 ft

Jocassee Ridge Reflections Dam

Oconee, SC

High Hazard 41 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Leonidas Dam?

Leonidas 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 Leonidas Dam?

Leonidas Dam is owned by RAMBOR INVESTMENTS CORP (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Leonidas Dam built?

Leonidas Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Leonidas Dam?

Leonidas 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 Leonidas Dam?

Leonidas Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Leonidas Dam last inspected?

Leonidas Dam was last inspected on October 12, 2021. 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.