Lake Cherokee Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Cherokee Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 | 40 ft (taller than 92.3% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 720 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 630 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 39 acres |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | SC00269 |
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
SC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
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Low Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Cherokee Dam?
Lake Cherokee 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 Cherokee Dam?
Lake Cherokee Dam is owned by SC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Cherokee Dam built?
Lake Cherokee Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Cherokee Dam?
Lake Cherokee 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 Cherokee Dam?
Lake Cherokee Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Cherokee Dam last inspected?
Lake Cherokee Dam was last inspected on August 9, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.