Stevenson's Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Covingtons Lake Dam Epworth Pines Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Stevenson's Lake Dam, located in Richland, South Carolina, was completed in 1960 and stands at a height of 12 feet with a length of 650 feet.
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Summary
The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, providing a surface area of 11 acres and a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of Roberts Branch and is under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite its age, Stevenson's Lake Dam has been flagged with a poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential. The last inspection in January 2019 highlighted these concerns, prompting a need for regular monitoring and potential maintenance or rehabilitation efforts. The dam is privately owned and managed, raising questions about the long-term sustainability and resilience of the structure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water resource demands. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Stevenson's Lake Dam an intriguing case study in balancing recreational needs with infrastructure safety in a changing environment.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
ROBERTS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
37cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3140cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
775cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1570cfs |
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.
Stevenson's Lake Dam