Hammett Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hammett Lake Dam, also known as Goucher Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Cherokee, South Carolina, along Goucher Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 36 feet and stretches 350 feet in length, providing flood risk reduction for the area. With a storage capacity of 739 acre-feet, the dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the region.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Hammett Lake Dam is regularly inspected and regulated to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2020, the dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential, prompting a moderate risk assessment. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding communities from potential water-related disasters.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Hammett Lake Dam serves as a testament to the collaboration between private owners, government agencies, and conservation services in safeguarding water resources and managing climate-related challenges. Its strategic location and design make it a vital structure for flood risk reduction, highlighting the importance of effective water management in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

GOUCHER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31

Nid Storage

739

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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.