Parr Shoals Dam
Parr Shoals Dam is a gravity dam located in Newberry County, South Carolina, built in 1914. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Parr Shoals Dam
The primary purpose of Parr Shoals Dam 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 Broad near Columbia.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 2,715 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 44,000 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 32,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,750 square miles. Completed in 1914, the structure is over a century 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 10/18/2021.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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 | Newberry |
| Nearest City | Columbia |
| River/Stream | Broad |
| Coordinates | 34.25986, -81.33380 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,715 ft |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 32,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 32,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 32,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,750 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 163,080 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
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 | SC01069 |
| Federal ID | SC01069 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |