Cola Plantation Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Stukes/Briggs Dam H Fox Tindal Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Cola Plantation Dam, located in Clarendon, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at 15 feet in height and spans 560 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 207 acre-feet. Situated on Chapel Creek, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and public safety.
Despite its fair condition assessment, Cola Plantation Dam is categorized as having a significant hazard potential, underscoring the importance of ongoing risk management measures. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2012, and there is a need for updated inundation maps and risk assessments to better prepare for potential emergencies. With its proximity to the Charleston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, stakeholders should work collaboratively to enhance the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource for the local community.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Cola Plantation Dam to be an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management and the intersection of recreation, environmental regulation, and public safety. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the resilience of dams like Cola Plantation becomes increasingly important. By staying informed about the dam's condition, emergency preparedness, and risk management strategies, stakeholders can help ensure the long-term sustainability of this recreational asset while safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem and communities from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
CHAPEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Nid Storage |
207 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
Santee River Near Pineville
|
685cfs |
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
604cfs |
Black River At Kingstree
|
1390cfs |
Lake Moultrie Tailrace Canal At Moncks Corner
|
9370cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
37cfs |
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.
Cola Plantation Dam
Palmetto Trail Lake Marion Passage Clarendon County