Lake Wackendaw Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Wackendaw Dam in Charleston, South Carolina, stands as a crucial structure for irrigation and recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1954, this private dam is primarily used for irrigation, with a normal storage capacity of 28 acre-feet and a total storage of 112 acre-feet. Spanning 445 feet in length and reaching a height of 9 feet, the dam controls the flow of the TR-Hobcaw Creek, contributing to the overall water management in the region.

Despite its significance, Lake Wackendaw Dam is facing challenges in terms of its condition assessment, marked as poor during the last inspection in November 2017. The hazard potential remains undetermined, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are also lacking, indicating the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety and longevity of this essential water resource infrastructure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the critical role Lake Wackendaw Dam plays in the local ecosystem and community. By addressing its current condition assessment and hazard potential, stakeholders can work towards safeguarding this vital water source for irrigation and recreation activities, while also considering the broader implications for water management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

445

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TR-HOBCAW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Nid Storage

112

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.