Lake Columbia Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: West Lake Farms Dam Summit Dam 1
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Lake Columbia Dam, also known as Lake Windemere Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Richland, South Carolina.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 45 feet and stretches for 1200 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 2500 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is irrigation, but it also serves recreational activities in the area.
Despite its important role in water resource management, Lake Columbia Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of May 2018. The dam is regulated and inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, ensuring that necessary enforcement and permitting measures are in place to mitigate risks associated with its operation. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 1998, and it is crucial for stakeholders to ensure that it meets current guidelines to address any potential safety concerns effectively.
Located on Rice Creek within the Savannah District, Lake Columbia Dam is a significant feature in the region's water infrastructure. With its central role in irrigation and recreation, ensuring the safety and integrity of this dam is essential for the community. As climate change impacts water resources, proper management and maintenance of structures like Lake Columbia Dam are crucial for sustainable water use and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
45 |
River Or Stream |
RICE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
128 |
Nid Storage |
2500 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
45 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
37cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3140cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1570cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
775cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Lake Columbia Dam