Lake Carolina Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Carolina Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1999 and is 27 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 | 47 ft (taller than 95.7% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 5.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 220 acres |
| Year Completed | 1999 (27 years old) |
| NID ID | SC02778 |
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
THE LAKE ASSOCIATION INC
Private
Nearby Dams
Kennedy Dam
Richland, SC
Significant Hazard 28 ftSummit Dam 1
Richland, SC
High Hazard 22 ftSummit Dam 6
Richland, SC
High Hazard 24 ftWoodlake Dam
Richland, SC
High Hazard 23 ftRaintree Investors Dam
Richland, SC
Low Hazard 17 ftSandhill Rec Pond Dam
Richland, SC
High Hazard 31 ftLake Columbia Dam
Richland, SC
High Hazard 45 ftNorth Springs Lake Dam
Richland, SC
High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Carolina Dam?
Lake Carolina 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 Carolina Dam?
Lake Carolina Dam is owned by THE LAKE ASSOCIATION INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Carolina Dam built?
Lake Carolina Dam was completed in 1999, making it 27 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 Carolina Dam?
Lake Carolina 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 Carolina Dam?
Lake Carolina Dam has a dam height of 47 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 Carolina Dam last inspected?
Lake Carolina Dam was last inspected on April 18, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.