Clearwater Lake Dam

LITTLE HORSE CREEK· Aiken, South Carolina· Built 1929· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Clearwater Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 46.1% in SC)
Max Storage1.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage370 acre-ft
Surface Area47 acres
Year Completed1929 (97 years old)
NID IDSC00297

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 22, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

BREEZY HILL WATER AND SEWER CO INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Clearwater Lake Dam?

Clearwater Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Clearwater Lake Dam?

Clearwater Lake Dam is owned by BREEZY HILL WATER AND SEWER CO INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Clearwater Lake Dam built?

Clearwater Lake Dam was completed in 1929, making it 97 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Clearwater Lake Dam?

Clearwater Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Clearwater Lake Dam?

Clearwater Lake Dam has a dam height of 20 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Clearwater Lake Dam last inspected?

Clearwater Lake Dam was last inspected on November 22, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.