As Michael was mentioning SC fault lines last night, it brought to mind a few thoughts. First of all yes there is a fault line in the Columbia area. The Eastern Piedmont Fault System includes a fault that runs parallel to Lake Murray Dam. Exact pinpoint location I am having trouble determining with out purchasing a map. Below is the best I have found so far.
By basic observation it appears to run across the southern or middle of the lake basin. I recall hearing it as being under the lake on at least one occasion.
In the past I know I have seen a couple maps to show the potential flood areas if the dam where to fail. Maps that where easy to understand by the layman with shading overlay on an arial photograph. But no luck finding such an image so far. But there are 2 links I have found that you can use to get an idea for your location by drawing conclusions.
In this document you can find lots of technical details of a dam failure and a few topographical maps.
http://www.mathlab.mtu.edu/~struther/Drop/Modeling/Rivers/flood_ima...
This interactive map will allow you to find your location and pin point your elevation.
http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/
I'll add more info later.
Tags:

Permalink Reply by Michael Vara on March 25, 2011 at 2:09pm
Permalink Reply by steve weston on March 25, 2011 at 6:56pm Yes I think many of the civil projects are done poorly with intention. It just seems too often the stupidity is just too extreme not to be intentional.
I wish i could find the photos related to a project here at home. A few years ago we had an open ditch converted to a covered storm drain system. We had been complaining about the clogged unmaintained ditch. Many times during heavy rains my back yard turned into a river. At the breaching of the ditch the water was about 1 1/2 - 2 feet deep and 15 - 20 feet wide. This was moving water, not standing water. The day after clearing/prep work was done i came home to find the culvert pipe delivered to site to be used was only 24" diameter! Are you kidding me?? WTF is the point in that?? I immediately called to try and stop the work for a redesign, but that's what they installed. To this day we still get flooding. Just a complete waste of tax payers money!!
© 2013 Created by Michael Vara.

