Neeses Lake Dam

CEDAR CREEK· Aiken, South Carolina· Built 1930· 29 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Neeses Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 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 Storage278 acre-ft
Normal Storage215 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDSC00296

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 13, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

WEXFORD MILLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Upper Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 17 ft

Cedar Lake Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 19 ft

Aiken State Park Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 12 ft

Garvins Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 18 ft

Baughmans Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 13 ft

Scott Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 22 ft

Paul Swartz Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 14 ft

John J Lewis Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 14 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Neeses Lake Dam?

Neeses Lake 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 Neeses Lake Dam?

Neeses Lake Dam is owned by WEXFORD MILLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Neeses Lake Dam built?

Neeses Lake Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Neeses Lake Dam?

Neeses 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 Neeses Lake Dam?

Neeses Lake 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 Neeses Lake Dam last inspected?

Neeses Lake Dam was last inspected on April 13, 2021. 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.