Keels Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Arthur Keels Dam 321 Assoc Asc Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Keels Lake Dam, also known as Cedar Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Richland, South Carolina.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 400 feet, creating a surface area of 6.4 acres. The primary purpose of Keels Lake Dam is irrigation, with additional recreational benefits for the surrounding area.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Keels Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in December 2020. With a maximum storage capacity of 114 acre-feet and a normal storage of 60 acre-feet, Keels Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and irrigation in the region.
As a key feature in the local water infrastructure network, Keels Lake Dam provides essential irrigation resources while offering recreational opportunities for the community. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam serves as a vital structure in the management of water resources for the area's agricultural and recreational needs. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Keels Lake Dam are essential for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SWGERT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.4 |
Nid Storage |
114 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3140cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
37cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
775cfs |
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.
Keels Lake Dam