Hammett Lake Dam

GOUCHER CREEK· Cherokee, South Carolina· Built 1963· 36 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Hammett Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 88.9% in SC)
Max Storage739 acre-ft
Normal Storage129 acre-ft
Surface Area31 acres
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDSC00262

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 28, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

JOHN W SIMMONS;THICKETTY CREEK WATERSHED CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hammett Lake Dam?

Hammett Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Hammett Lake Dam?

Hammett Lake Dam is owned by JOHN W SIMMONS;THICKETTY CREEK WATERSHED CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hammett Lake Dam built?

Hammett Lake Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Hammett Lake Dam?

Hammett Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Hammett Lake Dam?

Hammett Lake Dam has a dam height of 36 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 Hammett Lake Dam last inspected?

Hammett Lake Dam was last inspected on November 28, 2022. 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.