Huel Bailey Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Huel Bailey Dam, located in Lancaster, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1965 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 625 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. While the dam is classified as low hazard potential, its current condition is assessed as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its long-term stability and safety.
Despite its poor condition assessment, Huel Bailey Dam remains a popular destination for recreational activities in the area. The dam is situated on the TR-HORTON CREEK river/stream and offers a surface area of 9 acres for visitors to enjoy. With a moderate risk assessment level of 3, there is a recognition of the potential challenges faced by the dam and the need for effective risk management measures to be put in place. The dam is inspected every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in October 2017.
Owned privately and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Huel Bailey Dam serves as a vital recreational resource for the community. While its condition may be a concern, the dam's historical significance and contribution to the local ecosystem make it a valuable asset worth preserving for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and enjoy.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
625 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HORTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rocky Creek At Great Falls
|
17cfs |
Fishing Creek Below Fort Lawn
|
75cfs |
Waxhaw Creek At Sr1103 Near Jackson
|
1cfs |
Catawba River Below Catawba
|
2260cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1700cfs |
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
108cfs |
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.
Huel Bailey Dam