Finleys Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Finleys Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 48 ft (taller than 96% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 174 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 144 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | SC00697 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
BRADLEY ILLING;WILLIAM FISCHER
Private
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High Hazard 60 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Finleys Lake Dam?
Finleys 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 Finleys Lake Dam?
Finleys Lake Dam is owned by BRADLEY ILLING;WILLIAM FISCHER (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Finleys Lake Dam built?
Finleys Lake Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Finleys Lake Dam?
Finleys Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Finleys Lake Dam?
Finleys Lake Dam has a dam height of 48 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 Finleys Lake Dam last inspected?
Finleys Lake Dam was last inspected on February 9, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.