Lake Trenton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Trenton Dam, located in Edgefield, South Carolina, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1976, this private earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans 800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 990 acre-feet. The dam sits on the Pace Branch, within the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Lake Trenton Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of July 2020. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in February 2016, raising concerns about its readiness to handle potential risks. With an inspection frequency of 3 years, the dam's structural integrity and safety measures are under close scrutiny by state regulators to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and the environment.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts are drawn to Lake Trenton Dam for its role in water management and conservation efforts in South Carolina. The dam's presence not only supports local agriculture and recreational activities but also underscores the importance of regular maintenance and risk management in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

PACES BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47

Nid Storage

990

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.