Finleys Lake Dam, located in Pickens, South Carolina, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-North Fork Twelvemile Creek. Built in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and stretches 440 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 174 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also provides recreational opportunities in its surrounding 10-acre surface area.

With a hazard potential deemed high and a poor condition assessment as of March 2020, Finleys Lake Dam requires regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Managed by a private owner, the dam falls under South Carolina DHEC's regulatory jurisdiction, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place. Additionally, the dam's emergency action plan is outdated, highlighting the need for updated risk management measures to mitigate potential risks effectively.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Finleys Lake Dam presents a case study in the intersection of infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and public safety. As discussions around dam safety and maintenance continue to evolve, the importance of proactive risk assessment and management for structures like Finleys Lake Dam becomes increasingly evident in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against potential hazards and disasters.