Lake Ashwood Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Ashwood Dam, located in Lee, South Carolina, stands as a significant structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1933, this earth dam boasts a height of 15 feet and a length of 400 feet, creating a storage capacity of 333 acre-feet. The dam, situated on McGrits Creek, is state-regulated and inspected regularly by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to ensure its fair condition and mitigate any potential hazards.

Despite its relatively small surface area of 100 acres, Lake Ashwood Dam offers ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities. With a normal storage capacity of 229 acre-feet, the dam provides a picturesque setting for recreational pursuits such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. While the dam's hazard potential is deemed significant, its condition remains fair, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain the structure's integrity and safeguard against potential risks.

With its historical significance dating back nearly a century, Lake Ashwood Dam continues to serve as a vital resource for the local community and visitors alike. As a state-regulated and inspected dam, it stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure for both recreational enjoyment and public safety in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1933

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

MCGRITS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Nid Storage

333

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.