Gem Lake Estates Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Gem Lake Estates Dam 1 is a privately-owned dam located in Aiken, South Carolina, along the Town Creek.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches over 415 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a serene lake setting for residents and visitors to enjoy. Despite being a privately-owned structure, Gem Lake Estates Dam 1 is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a hazard potential rated as high, Gem Lake Estates Dam 1 is considered to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in November 2020. The dam has an emergency action plan in place, although the details of its preparedness and compliance with guidelines are unclear. The dam's risk assessment, inundation maps, and risk management measures remain unspecified, highlighting the need for further evaluation and potential improvements in emergency response protocols. Despite these considerations, Gem Lake Estates Dam 1 continues to provide a valuable recreational resource for the local community while operating under state regulatory oversight to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TOWN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Nid Storage

90

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.