Carnes Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cheek Lake Dam Perry Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Carnes Lake Dam, located in Lancaster, South Carolina, is a private-owned structure built in 1958 with a primary purpose of recreational use.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 17 feet and spanning a length of 340 feet, this earthen dam boasts a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and is primarily designed as a buttress dam. Situated on the banks of the Otter Creek, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Despite its low hazard potential, Carnes Lake Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of the last inspection in October 2017. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam poses some level of concern that necessitates the implementation of risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. While the dam's emergency action plan status and inundation maps remain unlisted, its current state raises the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety of downstream communities and the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Carnes Lake Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems and the ongoing challenges of managing and maintaining these vital resources in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OTTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Carnes Lake Dam