Walter And Susan Shealy Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Walter and Susan Shealy Dam, located in Lexington, South Carolina, was completed in 1930 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a recreational site along Hellhole Creek.


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Summary

With a dam height of 25 feet and a length of 640 feet, the earth structure provides storage capacity for 60 acre-feet of water. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the SC DHEC and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and low hazard potential.

With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the Walter and Susan Shealy Dam meets regulatory guidelines for emergency action plans and risk management measures. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The surrounding area offers a surface area of 7 acres for recreational activities, making it a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to visit and enjoy.

Supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Walter and Susan Shealy Dam continues to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors seeking outdoor recreation. With its picturesque location and historical significance, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining water resources for both practical and leisure purposes in South Carolina.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

HELLHOLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Nid Storage

60

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.