Ralph Senterfeit Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Herbert Risinger Dam Brodie Millpond
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ralph Senterfeit Dam, located in Lexington, South Carolina, was completed in 1960 and serves as a vital water resource for the community.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 17 feet and a length of 500 feet, primarily functions for recreational purposes, offering a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the surrounding Thasher Branch river. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated and inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to ensure its safety and structural integrity.
With a low hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2017, there are ongoing concerns about the dam's stability and maintenance requirements. The risk assessment categorizes the dam as having a moderate risk level, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management measures to mitigate any potential hazards. Although the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, it remains a critical infrastructure that requires careful monitoring and regular assessments to uphold its functionality and safety standards for the surrounding community.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining structures like Ralph Senterfeit Dam becomes increasingly significant. With proper risk management strategies and adherence to regulatory guidelines, the dam can continue to provide essential water storage and recreational opportunities while ensuring the safety and well-being of the local residents who rely on it.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
THASHER BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Ralph Senterfeit Dam