Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Forest Lake Dam, located in Florence, South Carolina, serves as a vital structure for debris control, irrigation, and recreation purposes along the Middle Swamp river.


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Summary

Built in 1962, this private Earth dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 445 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1,617 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to ensure public safety.

The dam's primary purpose of debris control is crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing blockages in the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 677 acre-feet and a surface area of 172 acres, Forest Lake Dam plays a key role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's condition is closely monitored, and emergency action plans are in place to address any potential risks or hazards that may arise.

Owned and regulated by private entities, Forest Lake Dam is an essential component of the local water infrastructure, providing valuable services to the community while also offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Forest Lake Dam are critical to ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

445

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

MIDDLE SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

172

Nid Storage

1617

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.