Lake Zimmerman Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Zimmerman Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 | 37 ft (taller than 89.9% in SC) |
| Max Storage | 790 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 582 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| NID ID | SC00742 |
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
LAKE WILL ZIMMERMAN INC
Private
Nearby Dams
Horseshoe Lake Dam
Spartanburg, SC
Significant Hazard 27 ftCharles Liles Dam
Spartanburg, SC
Significant Hazard 27 ftMiller Foster Dam
Spartanburg, SC
Low Hazard 21 ftMilliken Company Dam
Spartanburg, SC
Low Hazard 18 ftWilford Sherbert Dam
Spartanburg, SC
Significant Hazard 31 ftJohn E Keith Dam 2
Spartanburg, SC
Low Hazard 25 ftDr John Keith Dam 1
Spartanburg, SC
Low Hazard 33 ftLake Edwin Johnson Dam
Spartanburg, SC
Significant Hazard 36 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Zimmerman Dam?
Lake Zimmerman 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 Zimmerman Dam?
Lake Zimmerman Dam is owned by LAKE WILL ZIMMERMAN INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Zimmerman Dam built?
Lake Zimmerman Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Zimmerman Dam?
Lake Zimmerman 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 Zimmerman Dam?
Lake Zimmerman Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Zimmerman Dam last inspected?
Lake Zimmerman Dam was last inspected on November 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.