Moss Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Moss Pond Dam Jessie Rast Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Moss Lake Dam, located in Calhoun, South Carolina, is a privately-owned structure built in 1938 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, primarily made of earth with stone core, stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 470 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 299 acre-feet. The dam's reservoir covers a surface area of 35 acres and is fed by Flea Bite Creek.
Despite its low hazard potential, Moss Lake Dam's condition has been assessed as poor, with the last inspection in January 2019 revealing the need for maintenance and improvements. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with state oversight extending to permitting, inspections, and enforcement. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain unclear, there is potential for enhanced risk management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of this recreational water resource in the face of climate-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
470 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
FLEA BITE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Nid Storage |
299 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
900cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Bamberg
|
785cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Cope
|
736cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Denmark
|
741cfs |
Santee River Near Pineville
|
615cfs |
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.
Moss Lake Dam