L Cornwell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

L Cornwell Dam, also known as Lelia Cornwell Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Spartanburg, South Carolina along TR-Lawsons Fork Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1959, stands at a height of 28 feet with a length of 315 feet, providing a storage capacity of 47 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Situated in a low hazard potential area, the dam has not been rated for its condition status, but is under state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 4 acres for activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. While not federally owned or funded, L Cornwell Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Charleston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a last inspection date in 2014 and an inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps remain unspecified. This structure, designed as an earth dam with buttress core types, contributes to the local water resource management while also serving as a scenic spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Despite its modest size and storage capacity, L Cornwell Dam plays a significant role in the recreational landscape of Spartanburg, South Carolina, offering a tranquil retreat along the Lawsons Fork Creek. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the area, they can appreciate the dam's contribution to the local ecosystem and the controlled release of water downstream. While its maintenance and emergency preparedness status require further evaluation, the dam remains a notable feature in the region's water infrastructure, blending nature conservation with leisure activities for visitors to enjoy.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

315

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-LAWSONS FORK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Nid Storage

47

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.