Lake Ashwood Dam

MCGRITS CREEK· Lee, South Carolina· Built 1933· 15 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Ashwood Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1933 and is 93 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	15 ft (taller than 23.6% in SC)
Max Storage	333 acre-ft
Normal Storage	229 acre-ft

Surface Area	100 acres
Year Completed	1933 (93 years old)
NID ID	SC00500

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: March 10, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Mcgirt'S Millpond Dam

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Hancock Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 8 ft

Harvey Shaw Dam

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Players Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 13 ft

Hill Pond Dam

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Corbitts Millpond Dam

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Low Hazard 8 ft

Barnetts Pond Dam

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High Hazard 16 ft

Mattie J'S Pond Dam

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Unknown 17 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Ashwood Dam?

Lake Ashwood 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 Ashwood Dam?

Lake Ashwood Dam is owned by LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Ashwood Dam built?

Lake Ashwood Dam was completed in 1933, making it 93 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 Ashwood Dam?

Lake Ashwood 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 Ashwood Dam?

Lake Ashwood Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Ashwood Dam last inspected?

Lake Ashwood Dam was last inspected on March 10, 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.