Neal Shoals

Broad River· Union, South Carolina· Built 1905· Concrete· 25 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Neal Shoals is classified as low hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 62.5% in SC)
Dam Length1,295 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage1.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.4K acre-ft
Surface Area550 acres
Drainage Area2,730 sq mi
Max Discharge4,000 cfs
Year Completed1905 (121 years old)
NID IDSC01058

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: December 1, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

South Carolina Electric and Gas Company

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Neal Shoals?

Neal Shoals 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 Neal Shoals?

Neal Shoals is owned by South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Neal Shoals built?

Neal Shoals was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Neal Shoals?

Neal Shoals 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 Neal Shoals?

Neal Shoals has a dam height of 25 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 Neal Shoals last inspected?

Neal Shoals was last inspected on December 1, 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.