Lake Ashley Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Ashley Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 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 | 28 ft (taller than 74.2% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 850 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 482 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 58 acres |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
| NID ID | SC01170 |
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
LAKE ASHLEY LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Small Upper Mtn Lake
Chester, SC
High Hazard 24 ftLarge Upper Mtn Lake
Chester, SC
High Hazard 20 ftChester State Park Dam
Chester, SC
High Hazard 26 ftJames A Thompson Dam 2
Chester, SC
High Hazard 12 ftJames A Thompson Dam 1
Chester, SC
High Hazard 23 ftIsabel Fanning Dam
Chester, SC
Low Hazard 30 ftEvergreen Timberland Dam
Chester, SC
Significant Hazard 16 ftChester Res Dam
Chester, SC
High Hazard 40 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Ashley Dam?
Lake Ashley 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 Lake Ashley Dam?
Lake Ashley Dam is owned by LAKE ASHLEY LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Ashley Dam built?
Lake Ashley Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Lake Ashley Dam?
Lake Ashley Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Ashley Dam?
Lake Ashley Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Lake Ashley Dam last inspected?
Lake Ashley Dam was last inspected on February 16, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.