Lake Lanier Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Lanier Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 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 | 55 ft (taller than 97.7% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 94 acres |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
| NID ID | SC00001 |
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
TOWN OF TRYON
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Johnson/Tedder Pond Dam
Greenville, SC
Low Hazard 26 ftR Austin Gilbert Jr Dam
Greenville, SC
Low Hazard 38 ftMahler'S Pond Dam
Polk, NC
High HazardRobin Smith Dam
Polk, NC
High HazardTryon Estates Dam
Polk, NC
Low HazardMelrose Mountain Dam #1
Polk, NC
High HazardMelrose Mountain Dam #2
Polk, NC
High HazardCade Dam
Polk, NC
High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Lanier Dam?
Lake Lanier 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 Lanier Dam?
Lake Lanier Dam is owned by TOWN OF TRYON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Lanier Dam built?
Lake Lanier Dam was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Lanier Dam?
Lake Lanier Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Lanier Dam?
Lake Lanier Dam has a dam height of 55 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 Lanier Dam last inspected?
Lake Lanier Dam was last inspected on July 27, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.