W D Corley Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
W D Corley Dam, located in Lexington, South Carolina, was completed in 1900 and serves as a recreational structure for water enthusiasts in the area.
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Summary
This private earth dam, with a height of 14 feet and a length of 520 feet, impounds Third Creek, providing a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering a surface area of 18 acres for outdoor activities such as boating and fishing.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, W D Corley Dam has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2017. With regular inspections conducted every five years, the dam is equipped with state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years, and there are no associated structures or locks on the site.
Despite its historical completion date, W D Corley Dam continues to provide a valuable recreational resource for the community, showcasing the importance of water infrastructure in supporting outdoor activities and enhancing quality of life. With its modest storage capacity and low hazard potential, this dam exemplifies responsible water management practices and serves as a reminder of the vital role that water resources play in shaping our natural landscapes.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
THIRD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
W D Corley Dam