Lake Katherine Dam

GILLS CREEK· Richland, South Carolina· Built 1941· 15 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Katherine Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 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 Storage2.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.0K acre-ft
Surface Area142 acres
Year Completed1941 (85 years old)
NID IDSC00068

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: June 16, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

LAKE KATHERINE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Katherine Dam?

Lake Katherine 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 Katherine Dam?

Lake Katherine Dam is owned by LAKE KATHERINE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Katherine Dam built?

Lake Katherine Dam was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Katherine Dam?

Lake Katherine 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 Katherine Dam?

Lake Katherine 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 Katherine Dam last inspected?

Lake Katherine Dam was last inspected on June 16, 2023. 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.