Lower Santee Shores Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the Lower Santee Shores Dam, also known as Santee Shores, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1964.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans 434 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet for recreational purposes along Chapel Branch. It is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and has a high hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of January 2021.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a surface area of 10 acres and a normal storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not undergone recent modifications and is inspected biennially to ensure its structural integrity. The emergency action plan (EAP) status for the dam is unclear, and there are no specific risk management measures in place. The Lower Santee Shores Dam serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community while requiring ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards.
With the oversight of the South Carolina DHEC and the Charleston District of the USACE, the Lower Santee Shores Dam remains a notable landmark in the region, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. As efforts continue to uphold its safety and functionality, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of proper management and maintenance of critical infrastructure in ensuring the well-being of surrounding communities and the preservation of water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
434 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
CHAPEL BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
110 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Santee River Near Pineville
|
615cfs |
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
900cfs |
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
Edisto River Nr Givhans
|
1100cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Bamberg
|
785cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Cope
|
736cfs |
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.
Lower Santee Shores Dam
Santee Drive Orangeburg County