Beaver Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Walden Place Pond Dam Woodcreek Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Beaver Lake Dam in Richland, South Carolina, stands tall with a height of 20 feet and a length of 850 feet, completed in 1936 for the primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, made of earth and stone core, holds a storage capacity of 280 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 165 acre-feet over a surface area of 37 acres. Located on Spears Creek, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain safety and compliance.
Despite its age, Beaver Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition, with a risk assessment rating of moderate (3). The last inspection in June 2018 revealed the need for improvements to meet safety guidelines. While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway type, it lacks outlet gates and associated structures. With a designated emergency action plan last revised in 1998, the dam's risk management measures may need updating to address potential safety concerns and mitigate risks associated with its aging infrastructure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Beaver Lake Dam can appreciate its historical significance as a recreational site while also recognizing the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. With its location in a high-risk area and a hazard potential assessment of high, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure plays in water resource management and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SPEARS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
37 |
Nid Storage |
280 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
39cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1510cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
2990cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
882cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
764cfs |
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.
Beaver Lake Dam