On Wednesday, Aug. 26, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Savannah District announced it will maintain lake-level restrictions at Hartwell Lake.
There is no immediate danger to the public. There is also currently no impact on University operations. All University facilities adjacent to the lake, including the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex, remain open and fully operational.
The restriction caps the lake’s normal operating (full) level at 656 feet MSL year-round. Because the lake is currently below 656 feet MSL due to drought conditions, the restrictions will only take effect if water levels rise above that elevation.
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.
The measure is necessary until a long-term engineering solution is designed and built to resolve flood risks identified at the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam Saddle Dike.
Clemson University’s top priority is the safety of the University community. University officials continue to monitor the situation and its potential impacts on Clemson University.
