Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Spring Lake Dam Rocky Ford Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Located in Richland, South Carolina, the Forest Lake Dam is a private dam that serves primarily for flood risk reduction and recreation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a length of 600 feet, with a storage capacity of 1515 acre-feet and a surface area of 129 acres. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the Forest Lake Dam poses a significant risk in the event of a breach or failure. Despite its age, the dam has been maintained adequately to meet regulatory standards and has a designated emergency action plan (EAP) in place, last revised in 2003. The dam is situated on Gills Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlighting its importance in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the historical significance and functional importance of the Forest Lake Dam in managing water flow and enhancing recreational opportunities in the area. With ongoing regulatory oversight and maintenance efforts, this dam continues to play a vital role in flood risk reduction and showcasing the balance between human infrastructure and environmental stewardship in South Carolina.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
GILLS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
129 |
Nid Storage |
1515 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
37cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3140cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
775cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1570cfs |
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.
Forest Lake Dam