Arrowhead Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Arrowhead Lake Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, was completed in 1955 and stands at a height of 40 feet with a length of 500 feet.


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Summary

The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, providing a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres. Situated on the TR-Little Horse Creek, this earth dam with a stone core is privately owned and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Arrowhead Lake Dam is in poor condition as of the last assessment in December 2018. With a mandated inspection frequency of 3 years, the dam poses a risk that requires effective risk management measures. While the dam lacks certain safety features such as spillways and outlet gates, it remains a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking recreational activities in the area.

As a key feature of the Charleston District, Arrowhead Lake Dam's historical significance and operational challenges underscore the importance of ongoing maintenance and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource for future generations.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE HORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Nid Storage

270

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.