Lake Whelchel
Key Takeaway
Lake Whelchel is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 | 73 ft (taller than 98.8% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 8.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 180 acres |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | SC00261 |
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
GAFFNEY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Public Utility
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High Hazard 41 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Whelchel?
Lake Whelchel 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 Whelchel?
Lake Whelchel is owned by GAFFNEY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Whelchel built?
Lake Whelchel was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Whelchel?
Lake Whelchel 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 Whelchel?
Lake Whelchel has a dam height of 73 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 Whelchel last inspected?
Lake Whelchel was last inspected on July 27, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.