Sudlow Lake Dam

LITTLE HORSE CREEK· Aiken, South Carolina· Built 1915· 23 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Sudlow Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 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	23 ft (taller than 56.3% in SC)
Max Storage	333 acre-ft
Normal Storage	185 acre-ft

Surface Area	37 acres
Year Completed	1915 (111 years old)
NID ID	SC00293

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: November 9, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

BILL AND BRENDA SCOGGINS;BRENDA ICE AND DEREK C TUDOR;DICKY AND CINDY NICHOLS;ERNEST WRENN AND BRENDA ICE WRENN;FRANK AND RHONDA COGBURN;GERALD BAKER AND THE LAWRENCE FRANKLIN BAKER SR ESTATE ERLENE M BAKER TRUSTEE;JANET COGBURN;KAY CARTLEGE, RAY CARTLEGE AND JOE CARTLEGE;MARK AND TARA MOON;MARK LIVINGSON AND ERIN LIVINGSON;RICHARD AND BOBBIE SMITH;STAN WEAVER;SUDLOW LAKE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Trust Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

High Hazard 30 ft

Palmetto Place Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 18 ft

Misty Lake Dam

Aiken, SC

High Hazard 19 ft

Baker Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

High Hazard 25 ft

Rainbow Falls Dam

Aiken, SC

Low Hazard 13 ft

Clearwater Lake Dam

Aiken, SC

High Hazard 20 ft

Laurel Lake Dam

Aiken, SC

High Hazard 30 ft

Langley Pond Dam

Aiken, SC

High Hazard 33 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sudlow Lake Dam?

Sudlow 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 Sudlow Lake Dam?

Sudlow Lake Dam is owned by BILL AND BRENDA SCOGGINS;BRENDA ICE AND DEREK C TUDOR;DICKY AND CINDY NICHOLS;ERNEST WRENN AND BRENDA ICE WRENN;FRANK AND RHONDA COGBURN;GERALD BAKER AND THE LAWRENCE FRANKLIN BAKER SR ESTATE ERLENE M BAKER TRUSTEE;JANET COGBURN;KAY CARTLEGE, RAY CARTLEGE AND JOE CARTLEGE;MARK AND TARA MOON;MARK LIVINGSON AND ERIN LIVINGSON;RICHARD AND BOBBIE SMITH;STAN WEAVER;SUDLOW LAKE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sudlow Lake Dam built?

Sudlow Lake Dam was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Sudlow Lake Dam?

Sudlow 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 Sudlow Lake Dam?

Sudlow Lake Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Sudlow Lake Dam last inspected?

Sudlow Lake Dam was last inspected on November 9, 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.