Lake Hartwell Now

Tracker · updated as news breaks

The 656 tracker

Everything that’s happened since the Corps capped Lake Hartwell at 656 ft, dated and sourced, and what comes next. For the full explanation, read why Lake Hartwell is stuck at 656.

Live from USGS and the National Weather Service

Lake Hartwell right now

647.72ft

8.28 ft below the Corps' target

USGS reading, Nov 2, 11:00 AM

665 · Flood pool top
660 · Old full pool
656 · Corps target
654 · Drought 2
646 · Drought 3
637.6 · Record low, 2008
Corps target
656 ft all year while the Clemson dike is repaired (662 ft at most in heavy rain). The old full pool was 660 ft.
Weather
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Level from USGS gauge 02187010, Hartwell Lake near Anderson, SC. Weather from the National Weather Service (Greenville-Spartanburg office). Some live data didn't load; the links above have the official readings.

Where things stand

  • The rule656 ft all year662 ft at most in heavy rain, back to 656 within about a week. Re-evaluated every year.
  • The studyWaiting on fundingThe Dam Safety Modification Study hasn’t started. Reported to be headed for the Army’s 2027 work plan.
  • The estimate5 to 10+ yearsStudy up to 2 years, then design, funding and construction. Similar Corps repairs took 7 to 17 years.

Timeline

  • 1963

    The Corps finishes the diversion dams and saddle dike that keep the lake off Clemson’s campus.

  • 2015

    Seepage found under the saddle dike at the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam.

  • 2018

    The dike is moved to a higher risk category.

  • 2024

    Soil borings and assessment. Data from Hurricane Helene in September shows the problem worsening.

  • Jan 2026

    The Hartwell–Russell–Thurmond system enters drought operations.

  • Aug 26, 2026

    The Corps sets the lake’s normal level at 656 ft year-round, 662 ft maximum.

  • Aug 27

    A “Save Lake Hartwell” petition launches asking Congress to speed up the repair.

  • Sept 23

    First Corps virtual meeting: nearly 600 people, about 100 questions. The Corps says the study is “awaiting funding” and a fix could take around ten years.

  • Oct 8

    Second virtual meeting. The guide curve will “stay at 656 year round.”

  • Oct 15

    The Lake Hartwell Association’s annual meeting draws more than 300 people.

  • Late Oct

    The lake falls below 648.3 ft. At least 11 Corps ramp sites and three Hart County ramps are closed or down a lane.

  • Nov 2026

    In-person Corps sessions expected; dates not announced yet.

What to watch for

What comes next

  1. Funding for the study. Nothing moves until the Dam Safety Modification Study is funded.
  2. In-person public sessions from the Corps’ Savannah District.
  3. The study’s draft report, which is normally when the public gets a formal comment period.
  4. Design and construction funding, the longest stretch on every comparable repair.
  5. The annual re-evaluation of the 656 limit.

Spot news we’ve missed? Email office@wannagrowbrand.com.