Lake Oliphant Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Oliphant Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 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 | 29 ft (taller than 77.1% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 345 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 225 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 40 acres |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
| NID ID | SC01167 |
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
Nearby Dams
Logans Pond Dam
Chester, SC
Significant Hazard 10 ftRocky Creek WCD Dam 6
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High Hazard 43 ftBolins Pond
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Low Hazard 23 ftMirror Lakes Dam 2
Chester, SC
Significant Hazard 14 ftMirror Lakes Dam 1
Chester, SC
Significant Hazard 16 ftLoblolly Timber Dam 2
Chester, SC
Significant Hazard 30 ftHarshaw Pond Dam
York, SC
Low Hazard 18 ftAtkinson Pond Dam
Chester, SC
High Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Oliphant Dam?
Lake Oliphant 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 Oliphant Dam?
Lake Oliphant 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 Oliphant Dam built?
Lake Oliphant Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Oliphant Dam?
Lake Oliphant 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 Oliphant Dam?
Lake Oliphant Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Oliphant Dam last inspected?
Lake Oliphant Dam was last inspected on November 10, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.