Sweetwater Lake Dam

TR-CAW CAW SWAMP· Calhoun, South Carolina· Built 1969· 27 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Sweetwater Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 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 27 ft (taller than 70.9% in SC)
Max Storage335 acre-ft
Normal Storage227 acre-ft
Surface Area27 acres
Year Completed1969 (57 years old)
NID IDSC00583

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: May 3, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

BEVERLY S ZEIGLER

Private

Nearby Dams

Redmond Pond Dam

Calhoun, SC

Low Hazard 12 ft

Staley Pond Dam

Calhoun, SC

Low Hazard 18 ft

Gresette Pond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Strickland Pond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Low Hazard 22 ft

Gressett Pond Dam

Calhoun, SC

High Hazard 17 ft

Praters Pond Dam

Orangeburg, SC

High Hazard 13 ft

Phillip Rand Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Low Hazard 19 ft

Ginger Lake Dam

Orangeburg, SC

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sweetwater Lake Dam?

Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater Lake Dam?

Sweetwater Lake Dam is owned by BEVERLY S ZEIGLER (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sweetwater Lake Dam built?

Sweetwater Lake Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Sweetwater Lake Dam?

Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater Lake Dam?

Sweetwater Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Sweetwater Lake Dam last inspected?

Sweetwater Lake Dam was last inspected on May 3, 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.