Chattooga Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Oconee, South Carolina, Chattooga Lake Dam, also known as Fowlers Lake Dam, was completed in 1954 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This private dam, designed by USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 57 feet and spans a length of 540 feet. With a storage capacity of 1422 acre-feet and a normal storage volume of 853 acre-feet, the dam creates a surface area of 44.9 acres and regulates the flow of Taylor Creek.

Maintained by the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, Chattooga Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of September 2020. Although the spillway is uncontrolled and the outlet gates remain unregulated, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate (3). The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in June 2019, and regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chattooga Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam supporting recreational activities in a scenic natural setting. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam serves as a vital component of the region's water management infrastructure, providing both storage capacity and flood control measures. Despite its high hazard potential, ongoing inspections and risk assessments are in place to mitigate potential risks and ensure the continued safety of the dam and surrounding area.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

57

River Or Stream

TAYLOR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44.9

Nid Storage

1422

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

57
       
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.