North Saluda Reservoir Dam
North Saluda Reservoir Dam is a dam located in Greenville County, South Carolina, built in 1956. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About North Saluda Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of North Saluda Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Greenville Water (public utility). It impounds the North Saluda River.
The dam stands 175 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 1,050 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 80,648 acre-feet. Completed in 1956, 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 08/09/2023.
At 175 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Greenville |
| River/Stream | North Saluda River |
| Coordinates | 35.13940, -82.40690 |
Physical Characteristics
| NID Height | 175 ft |
| Dam Height | 175 ft |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 80,648 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 80,648 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 66,931 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,050 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | GREENVILLE WATER |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/09/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SCD00015 |
| Federal ID | SCD00015 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |