Chatham Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lc Reid Pond Dam Eureka Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Chatham Lake Dam, located in Chesterfield, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1978 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 17 feet and stretching 805 feet in length, this dam has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet. The dam sits on Thompson Creek and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with state inspections and enforcement ensuring its safety and compliance.
Despite its picturesque recreational setting, Chatham Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential according to the latest inspection in October 2020, which rated its condition as poor. The dam lacks certain safety features such as spillways and outlet gates, raising concerns about its ability to handle maximum discharge levels. Emergency action plans are yet to be prepared or updated, indicating a need for improved risk management measures to address potential inundation risks. The dam's hazard potential and condition assessment highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the integrity of the dam structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chatham Lake Dam serves as a crucial case study in the management of privately owned dams for recreational purposes. The dam's location on Thompson Creek and its role in providing water storage for recreational activities underscore the intersection of water resource management and land use planning. As climate change impacts intensify, the need for robust emergency preparedness, risk assessment, and maintenance of aging dam infrastructure like Chatham Lake Dam becomes increasingly urgent. Collaborative efforts between private owners, state agencies, and the community will be essential in safeguarding the dam's integrity and mitigating potential risks associated with its operation.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
805 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THOMPSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2460cfs |
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
108cfs |
Pee Dee R Nr Rockingham
|
1830cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
121cfs |
Big Shoe Heel Creek Nr Laurinburg
|
82cfs |
Black Creek Near Quinby
|
350cfs |
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.
Chatham Lake Dam