UNCERTAINTIES AND LIMITATIONS FOR USE OF FLOOD-INUNDATION MAPS

 Although the flood-inundation maps represent the boundaries of inundated areas with a distinct 

line, some uncertainty is associated with these maps. The flood boundaries shown were estimated 

based on water stages (water-surface elevations) and streamflows at selected USGS streamgages. 

Water-surface elevations along the stream reaches were estimated by steady-state hydraulic 

modeling, assuming unobstructed flow, and using streamflows and hydrologic conditions anticipated 

at the USGS streamgage(s). The hydraulic model reflects the land-cover characteristics and any 

bridge, dam, levee, or other hydraulic structures existing as of August 2012. Unique meteorological 

factors (timing and distribution of precipitation) may cause actual streamflows along the modeled 

reach to vary from those assumed during a flood, which may lead to deviations in the water-surface 

elevations and inundation boundaries shown. Additional areas may be flooded due to unanticipated 

conditions such as: changes in the streambed elevation or roughness, backwater into major 

tributaries along a main stem river, or backwater from localized debris or ice jams. The accuracy of 

the floodwater extent portrayed on these maps will vary with the accuracy of the digital elevation 

model used to simulate the land surface. Additional uncertainties and limitations pertinent to this 

study are described in the document accompanying this set of flood-inundation map sheets.

 If this series of flood-inundation maps will be used in conjunction with National Weather 

Service (NWS) river forecasts, the user should be aware of additional uncertainties that may be 

inherent or factored into NWS forecast procedures. The NWS uses forecast models to estimate the 

quantity and timing of water flowing through selected stream reaches in the United States. These 

forecast models (1) estimate the amount of runoff generated by precipitation and snowmelt, 

(2) simulate the movement of floodwater as it proceeds downstream, and (3) predict the flow and 

stage (water-surface elevation) for the stream at a given location (AHPS forecast point) throughout 

the forecast period (every 6 hours and 3 to 5 days out in many locations). For more information on 

AHPS forecasts, please see: http://water.weather.gov/ahps/pcpn_and_river_forecasting.pdf.

DISCLAIMER

 Inundated areas shown should not be used for navigation, regulatory, permitting, or other legal 

purposes. The USGS provides these maps “as-is” for a quick reference, emergency planning tool 

but assumes no legal liability or responsibility resulting from the use of this information.

NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM of 1988 (NAVD 88)

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Suggested citation:

Benedict, S.T., Caldwell, A.W., and Clark, J.M., 2013, Flood-inundation maps 

for the Saluda River from Old Easley Bridge Road to Saluda Lake Dam near 

Greenville, South Carolina: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations 

Map 3244, 15 sheets, 7-p. pamphlet.

Base from ESRI® Data & Maps, 2010

U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2009, 1 meter

Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator, zone 17

North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83)

Publishing support provided by:

Raleigh Publishing Service Center

Manuscript approved for publication January 15, 2013

For more information concerning

this publication, contact:

Director, South Carolina Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

720 Gracern Road

Suite 129

Columbia, SC 29210

(803) 750-6100

Or visit the South Carolina Water Science Center Web site at:

http://sc.water.usgs.gov/ 

This report is available at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3244/. 

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive

purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

This and other USGS information products are available at:

http://store.usgs.gov/ 

U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286

Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225

To learn about the USGS and its information products visit

http://www.usgs.gov/ 

1-888-ASK-USGS

0 0.5 1

MILES

0 0.5 1

KILOMETERS

02162500

123

124

Model extent

EXPLANATION

Depth, in feet

0 to 1

>1 to 3

>3 to 6

>6 to 9

>9 to 12

>12 to 15

>15 to 18

U.S. Geological Survey streamgage

 and number and National Weather

 Service forecast site

02162500

Flood-Inundation Map for the Saluda River from Old Easley Bridge Road to Saluda Lake Dam

near Greenville, South Carolina, Corresponding to a Stage of 15.0 Feet at

U.S. Geological Survey Streamgage Saluda River near Greenville, South Carolina (02162500)

By

S.T. Benedict, A.W. Caldwell, and J.M. Clark

2013

Scientific Investigations Map 3244

Sheet 10 of 15

Pamphlet accompanies map

02162500

82°28'30"

82°28'30"

82°29'0"

82°29'0"

82°29'30"

82°29'30"

34°51'0"

34°51'0"

34°50'30"

34°50'30"

34°50'0"

34°50'0"

34°49'30"

34°49'30"

GREENVILLE

PICKENS

ANDERSON

OCONEE

SPARTANBURG

LAURENS

SOUTH CAROLINA

Study area

OLD EASLEY BRIDGE ROAD (S-85)

SALUDA DAM ROAD (S-63)