Lower Chestnut Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Chestnut Lake Dam, located in Horry, South Carolina, is a private earth dam completed in 1965 primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 8 feet and a length of 500 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 9 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. However, despite its recreational allure, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and is assessed as being in poor condition as of its last inspection in December 2017.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Lower Chestnut Lake Dam presents a critical water resource structure within the region. Its state-regulated status ensures ongoing inspections, permitting, and enforcement activities to mitigate any potential risks associated with its aging infrastructure. The dam's association with the TR-Atlantic Ocean river stream highlights its vital role in maintaining water levels and contributing to the overall ecosystem health in the area.

As climate and water resource enthusiasts continue to monitor the state of dams like Lower Chestnut Lake Dam, it becomes evident that proactive risk management measures are necessary to ensure the safety and sustainability of these vital structures. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the potential for significant hazard, ongoing assessment and maintenance efforts are crucial to safeguarding both the dam's recreational value and the surrounding environment's ecological integrity.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR-ATLANTIC OCEAN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Nid Storage

42

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.