Arthur Keels Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Keels Lake Dam 321 Assoc Asc Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Arthur Keels Dam, located in Richland, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam standing at 26 feet high and spanning 350 feet in length.
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Summary
Built in 1968, this dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a surface area of 10 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. With a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet, the dam is primarily regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure public safety.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed poor structural integrity, prompting a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. With a history of modifications unknown, the dam poses a potential risk to downstream areas in the event of a failure. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are yet to be fully developed, raising concerns for the safety of surrounding communities. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and advocate for the necessary improvements to ensure the long-term resilience and safety of Arthur Keels Dam and its associated structures.
As a focal point for recreation and water storage in the area, Arthur Keels Dam plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and economy. With its close proximity to the TR-Harmon Creek, efforts to address the dam's poor condition and develop comprehensive emergency response plans are essential for sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation. By engaging with regulatory agencies and stakeholders, there is an opportunity to enhance the dam's safety measures, minimize risks, and safeguard the surrounding environment for future generations of water and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HARMON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
775cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3140cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
37cfs |
Broad River At Alston
|
1810cfs |
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.
Arthur Keels Dam