SAVANNAH, Ga. – To help protect surrounding communities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Savannah District will maintain lake level restrictions at Hartwell Lake until a long-term engineering solution is designed and built to resolve flood risks associated with a seepage deterioration path identified at Clemson Lower Diversion Dam Saddle Dike.
There is no immediate danger to the public, this has been a reoccurring challenge since 2015. However, during a recent USACE Dam Safety Program evaluation, several required actions were identified, including the lake level restrictions, which are necessary until a permanent solution can be developed and implemented. The temporary restriction is intended to reduce stress on the Clemson Saddle Dike by limiting how high Hartwell Lake can rise during periods of heavy rainfall.
Although there will be impacts to hydropower, recreation, local communities, and businesses due to the lake level restrictions, safety remains the Savannah District’s top priority. The lake restriction is anticipated to remain until a Dam Safety Modification Study and the associated recommended construction to address structural deficiencies in the Clemson Saddle Dike are complete.
"Safety is our priority," said Justin Nixon, the Savannah District's Dam Safety Program manager. "The current condition of the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam Saddle Dike does not meet the USACE’s acceptable risk standards. These actions will help reduce risk while we develop and construct a permanent solution. Communities and the environment deserve a serious review."
Seepage deterioration is when water from the lake finds tiny cracks or loose spots in the earthen structure, seeping under or through the dike. Until the permanent solution is constructed, the USACE will keep water levels below a maximum level of 662 feet mean sea level (MSL) at Hartwell Lake, reducing pressure on the Clemson Dike. To provide enough flood storage, the lake's normal operating (full) level, known as the guide curve, will be lowered to elevation 656 feet MSL year-round.
Because the lake is currently below 656 feet MSL, due to drought conditions, the restrictions will not affect operations unless water levels rise above that elevation. During heavy rainfall, if water levels approach 662 feet MSL, dam operations will bring the lake back to 656 feet MSL as quickly as conditions allow, with a goal of doing so within seven days.
Since the saddle dike reduces flood risks to the surrounding area, including Clemson University, the Savannah District will continue to monitor the Clemson Saddle Dike, and the flood risk reduction measures will be re-evaluated annually. Adjustments will be made, as needed, to ensure the continued safety of Clemson University and Hartwell Lake surrounding communities.
To keep the public informed, the Savannah District will host two virtual public meetings to discuss the engineering findings, explain the temporary lake level restrictions and answer questions. Meeting dates, times and platform information will be announced once they are finalized. Additionally, updates will be provided through the Savannah District’s Hartwell Project website at Hartwell Lake and social media platforms [see QR code below] as new information becomes available. Questions may be emailed to CESAS-HartwellPoolrestriction@usace.army.mil.