Colonial Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vaughn Pond Dam Lake Shamokin Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Colonial Lake Dam, located in Kershaw, South Carolina, is a historic structure completed in 1873.
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Summary
This private-owned dam stands at 17 feet tall and has a length of 640 feet, impounding Sanders Creek to create a surface area of 70 acres. With a storage capacity of 680 acre-feet, the dam serves purposes such as recreation, reflecting its primary use as "Other". Despite the dam's fair condition assessment, it has a high hazard potential, requiring regular inspections every two years to ensure its safety.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Colonial Lake Dam plays a crucial role in the local water resource management. It is regulated by the state, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures in place to maintain its integrity. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment are currently undisclosed, hinting at potential future evaluations to enhance its safety protocols and ensure the protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
As a part of the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Colonial Lake Dam stands as a key landmark in the region, drawing attention to the intersection of historical preservation, water resource management, and climate resilience. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential functions while facing the challenges of aging infrastructure and heightened hazard potential. Its significance lies not only in its structural presence but also in the ongoing efforts to safeguard its operation and mitigate risks through effective monitoring and management practices.
Year Completed |
1873 |
Dam Length |
640 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
SANDERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
70 |
Nid Storage |
680 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1740cfs |
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
520cfs |
Rocky Creek At Great Falls
|
19cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
144cfs |
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
136cfs |
Fishing Creek Below Fort Lawn
|
65cfs |
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.
Colonial Lake Dam