Lake Cynthia Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lake Cynthia Dam, located in Barnwell, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1960 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 11 feet and with a length of 300 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 326 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 41 acres. The dam is situated on the TR-Little Salkehatchie River and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) with regular inspections to ensure compliance and safety.
Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed during the last inspection in March 2019. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment for the dam are not available, indicating a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness. The dam's hazard potential, combined with its recreational purpose, underscores the importance of effective risk management measures and regular monitoring to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of the dam's structural integrity. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Lake Cynthia Dam a fascinating case study in dam management and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SALKEHATCHIE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
41 |
Nid Storage |
326 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
11 |
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.
Lake Cynthia Dam