Jocassee Spillway
Jocassee Spillway is a gravity dam located in Oconee County, South Carolina, built in 1973. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Jocassee Spillway
The primary purpose of Jocassee Spillway is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Duke Energy (public utility). It impounds the Keowee near Clemson, Sc.
The dam stands 64 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7,565 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,160,298 acre-feet. Completed in 1973, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/06/2022.
At 64 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The South Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Oconee |
| Nearest City | Clemson, Sc |
| River/Stream | Keowee |
| Coordinates | 34.95530, -82.92560 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 64 ft |
| Dam Height | 64 ft |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,160,298 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,160,298 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,160,298 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7,565 acres |
| Max Discharge | 43,222 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Duke Energy |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/06/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SC00529 |
| Federal ID | SC00529S003 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |