Neeses Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Neeses Lake Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, was completed in 1930 and serves as a vital structure for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet with a length of 905 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 278 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Cedar Creek and covers a surface area of 25 acres, providing a serene setting for outdoor activities.

Despite its age, Neeses Lake Dam is regularly inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to ensure public safety. With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment in 2017, the dam's emergency action plan is in place. The dam's risk management measures and inundation maps are yet to be fully updated, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the dam's resilience in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Neeses Lake Dam stands as a historic structure that not only enriches the local landscape but also highlights the importance of sustainable dam management practices in the face of evolving environmental challenges. As a focal point for recreational activities and a critical element of the local ecosystem, the dam's continued maintenance and risk assessment efforts underscore the ongoing need for proactive measures to safeguard water resources and adapt to a changing climate.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

905

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Nid Storage

278

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.