Cherokee Falls
Cherokee Falls is a masonry dam located in Cherokee County, South Carolina, built in 1826. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cherokee Falls
The primary purpose of Cherokee Falls 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 Cherokee Falls Hydroelectric Project, Llc (private). It impounds the Broad River.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 1,850 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 35 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,490 square miles. Completed in 1826, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 11/18/2021.
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Location
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Cherokee |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | Broad River |
| Coordinates | 35.06391, -81.54754 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,850 ft |
| Year Completed | 1826 (200 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 140 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,490 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 222,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Cherokee Falls Hydroelectric Project, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/18/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SC83014 |
| Federal ID | SC83014 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |