White Oak Slash Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

White Oak Slash Lake Dam, located in Sumter, South Carolina, is a state-owned earth dam completed in 1950 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans a length of 1600 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 432 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a low hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of April 2017, White Oak Slash Lake Dam poses a moderate risk according to the data available. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and covers an area of 120 acres, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified, potentially raising concerns among water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate change can appreciate White Oak Slash Lake Dam as a recreational structure that contributes to the local landscape. With its moderate risk rating and the absence of detailed emergency preparedness information, there is room for further investigation into the dam's safety protocols and potential environmental impacts in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

1600

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

SWIFT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

120

Nid Storage

432

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.