Misty Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Misty Lake Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, was completed in 1920 and stands at a height of 19 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet and a surface area of 6 acres. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a stone core and soil foundation, and it is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Despite being deemed to have a high hazard potential, Misty Lake Dam is currently in fair condition according to its last assessment in May 2019. The dam undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its safety and integrity. While it does not have a spillway or outlet gates, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in June 2019, indicating a commitment to preparedness in case of emergencies.

With its picturesque setting on Franklin Branch, Misty Lake Dam offers a serene recreational space for visitors to enjoy. Its historical significance, combined with its ongoing maintenance and regulatory oversight, make it a valuable asset in the region for both water resource management and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

815

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

FRANKLIN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

67

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.