River Bluff Upper Dam

TR-BURGESS CREEK· Pickens, South Carolina· 30 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

River Bluff Upper Dam is classified as significant hazard in South Carolina. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 78.9% in SC)
Max Storage47 acre-ft
Normal Storage9 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
NID IDSC02536

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 11, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

EMILY PALMER BROWN AND JEFFERY WILLIAM DERKUCH;MARY THOMSON AND PAULA MONTONEY

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of River Bluff Upper Dam?

River Bluff Upper Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates River Bluff Upper Dam?

River Bluff Upper Dam is owned by EMILY PALMER BROWN AND JEFFERY WILLIAM DERKUCH;MARY THOMSON AND PAULA MONTONEY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of River Bluff Upper Dam?

River Bluff Upper 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 River Bluff Upper Dam?

River Bluff Upper Dam has a dam height of 30 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 River Bluff Upper Dam last inspected?

River Bluff Upper Dam was last inspected on July 11, 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.