Lower Chestnut Lake Dam

TR-ATLANTIC OCEAN· Horry, South Carolina· Built 1965· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Chestnut Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 1.5% in SC)
Max Storage42 acre-ft
Normal Storage25 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDSC02002

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 22, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

GULLEY CREEK ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Chestnut Lake Dam?

Lower Chestnut Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lower Chestnut Lake Dam?

Lower Chestnut Lake Dam is owned by GULLEY CREEK ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Chestnut Lake Dam built?

Lower Chestnut Lake Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Lower Chestnut Lake Dam?

Lower Chestnut Lake 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 Lower Chestnut Lake Dam?

Lower Chestnut Lake Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Lower Chestnut Lake Dam last inspected?

Lower Chestnut Lake Dam was last inspected on August 22, 2022. 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.