Lake Elliott Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Elliott Dam in York, South Carolina, stands as a crucial water resource for irrigation and recreation purposes since its completion in 1949.


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Summary

As a privately-owned earth dam along TR-Jones Branch, it boasts a height of 20 feet and a length of 280 feet, providing a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose of irrigation underscores its significance in supporting local agricultural activities and ensuring water availability for the surrounding areas.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Lake Elliott Dam poses a high hazard potential, necessitating regular inspections and enforcement by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The dam's proximity to residential and commercial areas highlights the importance of its structural integrity and maintenance to mitigate any risks associated with its operation. With a history of state regulation, permitting, and inspection, the dam remains a focal point for water resource management in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor Lake Elliott Dam, its role in sustaining irrigation and recreational activities underscores the need for effective risk management measures. With a designated emergency action plan and updated hazard assessments, stakeholders can ensure the dam's safety and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. As a vital infrastructure within the Wilmington District, Lake Elliott Dam represents a crucial intersection of human activity and natural resource utilization in South Carolina.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-JONES BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Nid Storage

57

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.