Whetstone Fishing Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Whetstone Fishing Lake, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a private water resource that offers recreational opportunities for fishing enthusiasts.
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Summary
The dam, constructed in 1958, stands at a height of 12 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet, with a surface area of 11 acres. The lake is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, ensuring that it is safe and compliant with state standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement.
This earth dam, primarily made of stone, spans 725 feet along the Sucksand Branch river or stream. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is in fair condition, as assessed in January 2021. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment details are currently unavailable, but regular inspections are conducted to ensure the safety of the structure. Whetstone Fishing Lake provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and serves as a vital resource for the local community, combining both beauty and functionality in one scenic location in South Carolina.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
725 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
SUCKSAND BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Whetstone Fishing Lake