Lake Katherine Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Semmes Lake Forest Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Lake Katherine Dam, located in Richland, South Carolina, is a privately-owned earth dam built in 1941 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 15 feet with a length of 900 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 2000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 142 acres. The dam is situated on Gills Creek and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
Despite its primary purpose for recreation, Lake Katherine Dam poses a high hazard potential and was assessed to be in unsatisfactory condition as of March 2021. With an inspection frequency of every two years, the dam has not been modified since its completion. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in May 2002, and there is no information available on whether it meets current guidelines or if inundation maps have been prepared.
In the event of a dam failure, the community surrounding Lake Katherine Dam would be at risk due to its high hazard potential. While the dam provides recreational opportunities for visitors, it is crucial for stakeholders to ensure its safety and maintenance to prevent any potential risks to the environment and public safety.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
GILLS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
142 |
Nid Storage |
2000 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
37cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3140cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
775cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
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 Katherine Dam