Saluda Backup Berm
Saluda Backup Berm is a dam located in Lexington County, South Carolina, built in 2005. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Saluda Backup Berm
The primary purpose of Saluda Backup Berm 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 South Carolina Electric And Gas Company (public utility). It impounds the Saluda near Irmo.
The dam stands 213 feet tall and stretches 8,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 48,000 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,200,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,420 square miles. Completed in 2005, the structure is relatively new.
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 10/18/2021.
At 213 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 | Lexington |
| Nearest City | Irmo |
| River/Stream | Saluda |
| Coordinates | 34.05333, -81.21733 |
Physical Characteristics
| NID Height | 213 ft |
| Dam Height | 213 ft |
| Dam Length | 8,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 2005 (21 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,200,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,200,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,100,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 48,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,420 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | South Carolina Electric and Gas Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/18/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SC00224 |
| Federal ID | SC00224S003 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |