Silver Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Silver Lake Dam, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, was completed in 1948 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 52 feet and a length of 410 feet, impounds the waters of the South Tyger River, creating a serene lake with a surface area of 75 acres. Despite its picturesque setting, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition as of March 2021.

Owned privately, the Silver Lake Dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam has a storage capacity of 1,280 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1,080 acre-feet. However, with its current condition assessment and hazard potential, there may be concerns for the surrounding community in the event of a breach or failure.

With its historical significance dating back over seven decades, the Silver Lake Dam serves as both a recreational hotspot and a critical piece of infrastructure in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor the dam's condition and risk assessment, attention to maintenance and potential risk management measures will be crucial to safeguarding the surrounding environment and community from the potential impacts of dam failure.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

410

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH TYGER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

75

Nid Storage

1280

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

52
       
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.