Seivern Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Larry Murray Dam Ronald Dew Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Seivern Lake Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 550 feet, creating a maximum storage capacity of 294 acre-feet. Although primarily used for recreation, the dam also serves as a regulatory structure under the oversight of SC DHEC, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being assessed as fair, with a moderate risk level assigned. Despite its potential risks, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, which may pose challenges in managing water levels during periods of high discharge. The last inspection in October 2019 highlighted the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to address any potential issues and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment, particularly given its location along Chalk Hill Creek.
As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Seivern Lake Dam's presence offers a valuable opportunity to study the intersection of human recreational activities with environmental conservation and safety measures. Its design and management provide a case study for balancing the benefits of water resource utilization for recreation with the responsibility of ensuring the dam's structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. With its unique characteristics and potential risks, Seivern Lake Dam represents a compelling subject for further exploration and analysis in the context of water resource management and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
CHALK HILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Nid Storage |
294 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Seivern Lake Dam