Lake Columbia Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Columbia Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 45 ft (taller than 95.1% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 128 acres |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | SC00046 |
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
FAIRWAYS DEVELOPMENT, LLC;LAKE HOLDING COMPANY INC
Private
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High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Columbia Dam?
Lake Columbia 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 Columbia Dam?
Lake Columbia Dam is owned by FAIRWAYS DEVELOPMENT, LLC;LAKE HOLDING COMPANY INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Columbia Dam built?
Lake Columbia 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 Lake Columbia Dam?
Lake Columbia Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Columbia Dam?
Lake Columbia Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Columbia Dam last inspected?
Lake Columbia Dam was last inspected on June 28, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.