Keowee

Keowee· Oconee, South Carolina· Built 1971· Earth· 170 ft tall

High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Keowee is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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	170 ft (taller than 99.7% in SC)
Dam Length	3,500 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	955.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage	99.6K acre-ft

Surface Area	18,372 acres
Drainage Area	439 sq mi
Max Discharge	26,000 cfs
Year Completed	1971 (55 years old)
NID ID	SC00706

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: July 5, 2022

State Regulated: No

Ownership

Duke Energy

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Kenneth Merck Dam

Pickens, SC

Low Hazard 36 ft

Issaqueena Lake Dam

Pickens, SC

Low Hazard 40 ft

Norton Dam

Pickens, SC

High Hazard 29 ft

Stephen Mullenix Dam

Oconee, SC

Low Hazard 30 ft

Carl Newton Dam

Pickens, SC

Low Hazard 27 ft

Keowee River Club Dam

Pickens, SC

Significant Hazard 63 ft

Praters Creek Dam

Pickens, SC

High Hazard 49 ft

Lake Diana Dam

Pickens, SC

High Hazard 22 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Keowee?

Keowee 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 Keowee?

Keowee is owned by Duke Energy (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Keowee built?

Keowee was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Keowee?

Keowee serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Keowee?

Keowee has a dam height of 170 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 Keowee last inspected?

Keowee was last inspected on July 5, 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.