Lake Leroy Dam, also known as Mountain Rest Lake, is a private dam located in Oconee, South Carolina, with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 50 feet tall and spans 455 feet in length, creating a surface area of 68.2 acres and a storage capacity of 1584 acre-feet. The dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundation, poses a high hazard potential but is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection in January 2021.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Lake Leroy Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and its outlet gates operate in the same manner. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam serves as a popular recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities in the picturesque setting of Taylor Creek.
Overall, Lake Leroy Dam is a vital structure in South Carolina, providing not only recreational benefits but also serving as a reminder of the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam continues to play a crucial role in the local community while highlighting the intersection of water resource management and environmental conservation efforts in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
455 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
TAYLOR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
68.2 |
Nid Storage |
1584 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
50 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Oconee State Park
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Long Bottom Ford
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Sandy Beach Campsite
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Cherry Hill Recreation Area
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Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp
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Burrells Ford
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Highway 28 to Earl's Ford (Section 2)
Headwaters Just East Of Hwy 107 To Crossing Of Norton Field Road (Fs 715A)
Earl's Ford to Route 76 (Section 3)
Beginning Just Upstream Of Townes Creek,Wash Branch And Crane Creek To Confluence With Kings Creek
Crpssing Of Land Bridge Road, Sc 196 To 1/4 Mile Below Fs 745 And Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp
Burrels Ford to Lick Log Branch (Section 1)