Clearwater Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clearwater Lake Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, was completed in 1929 and serves as a crucial structure for recreation and water supply purposes.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 850 feet, with a storage capacity of 1,700 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the picturesque Little Horse Creek, offering a serene backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various water-related activities.

Despite its age, Clearwater Lake Dam has faced challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which was reported as poor during the last inspection in December 2019. The dam also poses a high hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating. This raises concerns for the safety and maintenance of the structure, prompting the need for regular inspections and potential risk management measures to ensure the community's safety and the dam's longevity.

With its historical significance and importance for both recreational and water supply purposes, Clearwater Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering with natural resources. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, it becomes imperative to prioritize the upkeep and maintenance of such structures to mitigate risks and ensure the sustainable management of our water systems.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

LITTLE HORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47

Nid Storage

1700

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.