Louis Simpson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Louis Simpson Dam, located in York, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1965 for recreational purposes along the TR-Neelys Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 18 feet and spanning 4700 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet, with normal storage at 37 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as poor, with the last inspection taking place in February 2021.

Maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Louis Simpson Dam has state regulatory oversight, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures. The dam poses a risk of inundation, but no specific risk assessment or management measures have been reported. While lacking in critical structural details such as spillway type and maximum discharge, the dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and water resource management in the area.

With its unique design features and historical significance, Louis Simpson Dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As efforts to improve its condition and safety continue, the dam remains a vital part of the local landscape, offering both leisure activities and essential water storage capacity for the community.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

4700

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-NEELYS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

59

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.