Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forest Lake Dam, located in York, South Carolina, stands as a significant earth dam completed in 1955 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 23 feet and a length of 330 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and covers an area of 11 acres. Situated on the TR-STEELE CREEK river, the dam is privately owned and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Despite its poor condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam has been inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in December 2019.

The Forest Lake Dam poses a potential risk due to its poor condition, prompting a high hazard potential designation. With a history of modifications and regular inspections, its current state and maintenance practices are crucial in ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of the dam's intended recreational purpose. The dam's location within the Wilmington District and its ownership by a private entity further emphasize the need for continued monitoring and adherence to regulatory standards to mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation.

As a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure, Forest Lake Dam serves as a recreational reservoir with a primary purpose to provide leisure activities for the community. Its structural design, including stone core materials and soil foundations, highlights the importance of maintaining its integrity to sustain its maximum storage capacity and normal operations. With ongoing enforcement, inspection, and permitting by state agencies, the dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and ensure its long-term sustainability and safety.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-STEELE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Nid Storage

59

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.