Finleys Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Finleys Lake Dam, located in Pickens, South Carolina, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-North Fork Twelvemile Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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 Additionally, the dam's emergency action plan is outdated, highlighting the need for updated risk management measures to mitigate potential risks effectively.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.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH FORK TWELVEMILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Nid Storage

174

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

48
       
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.