Santee
Key Takeaway
Santee is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 50 ft (taller than 96.6% in SC) |
| Dam Length | 40,940 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.5M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14,700 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,300,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1942 (84 years old) |
| NID ID | SC00732 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
South Carolina Public Service Authority
State Government
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Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Santee?
Santee 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 Santee?
Santee is owned by South Carolina Public Service Authority (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Santee built?
Santee was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Santee?
Santee serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Navigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Santee?
Santee has a dam height of 50 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 Santee last inspected?
Santee was last inspected on July 14, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.