R M Watson Dam

TR-FLAT ROCK CREEK· Saluda, South Carolina· Built 1940· 20 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

R M Watson Dam is classified as low hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 46.1% in SC)
Max Storage127 acre-ft
Normal Storage68 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDSC01265

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: October 9, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

KEVIN AND LYDIA M YON

Private

Nearby Dams

Boatwrights Pond Dam

Saluda, SC

Low Hazard 25 ft

R M Watson Dam

Saluda, SC

High Hazard 22 ft

R M Watsons Pond Dam

Saluda, SC

High Hazard 26 ft

James T Childers Dam

Saluda, SC

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Guy Rutland Pond Dam

Edgefield, SC

Significant Hazard 24 ft

O T Price Dam

Saluda, SC

Low Hazard 22 ft

Clark Dubose Pond Dam

Edgefield, SC

Low Hazard 28 ft

Watson Pond Dam

Saluda, SC

Low Hazard 22 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of R M Watson Dam?

R M Watson 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 R M Watson Dam?

R M Watson Dam is owned by KEVIN AND LYDIA M YON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was R M Watson Dam built?

R M Watson Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 R M Watson Dam?

R M Watson Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is R M Watson Dam?

R M Watson Dam has a dam height of 20 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 R M Watson Dam last inspected?

R M Watson Dam was last inspected on October 9, 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.