Overview
Lake Greenwood is an 11,400-acre reservoir in the piedmont of western South Carolina, spanning Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry counties. Created in 1940 at the confluence of the Saluda and Reedy rivers, it is owned and operated by Greenwood County through its Commissioners of Public Works, which operates the Buzzard Roost (Coronaca) hydroelectric station and manages the lake for power, water supply, and recreation.
With about 212 miles of shoreline, Lake Greenwood averages around 22 feet deep and reaches roughly 69 feet near the dam. The lake's two main arms follow the Saluda and Reedy river channels, and the shoreline mixes wooded coves, points, and residential areas with the protected lands of Lake Greenwood State Park, offering varied habitat for fish and wildlife.
Lake Greenwood supports a popular warmwater fishery for largemouth bass, crappie, bream, striped and hybrid bass, and catfish, and it draws steady boating and tournament use. Fisheries are managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and public boat ramps, marinas, and Lake Greenwood State Park provide access around the reservoir.
Water levels on Lake Greenwood are managed by Greenwood County around a full-pool elevation of about 439 feet above mean sea level. Seasonal rainfall, drought, downstream flow requirements, and hydropower generation all influence elevations, and the lake is drawn down at times for maintenance and flood management. Monitoring current lake levels is important for boating safety, fishing success, dock access, and shoreline activities throughout the year.
Current Conditions
Lake Greenwood is currently 0.14 feet above full pool and has fallen slightly over the past week.
- 7-day trendFallingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.02 ft
- 30-day changeNo meaningful change
- Drought conditionsAbnormally Dry
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Lake Greenwood is a 11,400-acre reservoir on the Saluda River managed by Greenwood County, South Carolina.