Lake Eljama Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Eljama Dam, also known as Bates Pond Dam, is a private earth dam located in Greenville, South Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1954, this recreational dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 275 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-GROVE CREEK, the dam offers a surface area of 6 acres for leisure activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Despite its low hazard potential, Lake Eljama Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition as of May 2017. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. While the dam primarily serves recreational purposes, its association with Grove Creek underscores the importance of maintaining its structural integrity to protect downstream water resources and ecosystems.

As a significant feature in the region, Lake Eljama Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate considerations. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a valuable site for both recreation and environmental conservation efforts. Its maintenance and upkeep are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding waterways and habitats in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-GROVE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

70

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.