Pinewood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Pinewood Lake Dam, located in Richland, South Carolina, is a private dam on Mill Creek that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 1050 feet, with a storage capacity of 263 acre-feet. However, recent data shows that the dam has a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Pinewood Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures. Despite its current condition assessment, the dam continues to be a popular spot for recreational activities, with a surface area of 35 acres for visitors to enjoy. The dam's association with the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers further underscores its significance in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the status of dams like Pinewood Lake Dam is crucial for monitoring environmental risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices. With a focus on safety and maintenance, it is essential to stay informed about the condition of dams like Pinewood Lake to mitigate potential hazards and protect the local community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

1050

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Nid Storage

263

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.