Culp Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Culp Lake Dam, located in Lancaster, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1955 for recreational purposes along the TR-Waxhaw Creek.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 22 feet with a length of 430 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is poor, as of the last inspection in September 2017.
The dam, regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), is designed with an uncontrolled spillway and is primarily used for recreation. However, the dam's poor condition raises concerns about its long-term safety and maintenance. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the environment.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts monitoring Culp Lake Dam should be aware of its current condition and the potential risks associated with its continued use. The dam's location and structural characteristics, paired with its poor condition assessment, highlight the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to prevent any potential hazards or failures that could impact the local area.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WAXHAW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Culp Lake Dam