Big Survey Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mcgrady Dam Westvaco Corporation Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Survey Lake Dam, also known as the Elgebar Corporation Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Colleton, South Carolina.
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Summary
Built in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans a length of 1075 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 874 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 95 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed it to be in poor condition. With a history of state regulation and inspection, including enforcement mechanisms in place, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) oversees the dam's safety and compliance with regulations. Although the dam may require maintenance and possible improvements, it continues to serve as a recreational haven for visitors to Big Survey Lake. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
1075 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
BLACK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
95 |
Nid Storage |
874 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Coosawhatchie River Near Hampton
|
68cfs |
Salkehatchie River Near Miley
|
242cfs |
Edisto River Nr Givhans
|
1100cfs |
Savannah River Near Clyo
|
6820cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Bamberg
|
785cfs |
Ebenezer Creek At Springfield
|
12cfs |
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.
Big Survey Lake Dam