Cypress Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Frances Coker Dam Buddin Pond Dam
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Cypress Lake Dam, located in Clarendon, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in the year 1900.
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Summary
With a height of 10 feet and a length of 600 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 167 acre-feet and a normal storage of 104 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Horse Branch river and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
Despite its low hazard potential, Cypress Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment as of yet. The dam has a history of regular inspections, with the last inspection conducted in January 2013. With an inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are currently undocumented. The dam does not have a spillway and is not associated with any locks or outlet gates.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cypress Lake Dam presents an interesting case study of a privately owned recreational dam in South Carolina. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1900s, the dam's structural integrity and safety measures are subject to ongoing regulatory oversight by state authorities. As a key feature on the Horse Branch river, the dam's management and maintenance play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and environmental protection in the region.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
HORSE BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Nid Storage |
167 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black River At Kingstree
|
327cfs |
Lynches River At Effingham
|
356cfs |
Santee River Near Pineville
|
678cfs |
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
252cfs |
Black Creek Near Quinby
|
233cfs |
Pee Dee River Below Pee Dee
|
2500cfs |
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.
Cypress Lake Dam