Lake Edwin Johnson Dam

THOMPSON CREEK· Spartanburg, South Carolina· Built 1942· 36 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Edwin Johnson Dam is classified as significant hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 88.9% in SC)
Max Storage570 acre-ft
Normal Storage420 acre-ft
Surface Area38 acres
Year Completed1942 (84 years old)
NID IDSC00740

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 21, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

SC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SC DEPARTMENT OF PARKS RECREATION AND TOURISM

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Edwin Johnson Dam?

Lake Edwin Johnson Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Edwin Johnson Dam?

Lake Edwin Johnson Dam is owned by SC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES;SC DEPARTMENT OF PARKS RECREATION AND TOURISM (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Edwin Johnson Dam built?

Lake Edwin Johnson Dam was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Edwin Johnson Dam?

Lake Edwin Johnson 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 Edwin Johnson Dam?

Lake Edwin Johnson Dam has a dam height of 36 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 Edwin Johnson Dam last inspected?

Lake Edwin Johnson Dam was last inspected on December 21, 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.