L F Holmes Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
L F Holmes Dam, located in Edgefield, South Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam primarily built for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1988 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as poor, with the last inspection in July 2017 revealing the need for maintenance and improvements.
Managed by the SC DHEC, L F Holmes Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. With a moderate risk assessment rating, it is crucial for stakeholders and enthusiasts to monitor the dam's condition closely and advocate for necessary actions to mitigate any potential risks. The dam's location on Satcher Branch, a tributary in the Savannah District, highlights its significance in the local water resource management and agricultural activities in the region.
As a key infrastructure for water resource management in the area, L F Holmes Dam serves as a focal point for climate and water resource enthusiasts to study the intersection of irrigation practices, dam safety, and environmental sustainability. With its historical significance and impact on the local community, there is a need for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and potential upgrades to ensure the dam's resilience in the face of changing climate conditions and evolving regulatory requirements.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
293 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
SATCHER BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Nid Storage |
175 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mctier Creek (Rd 209) Near Monetta
|
20cfs |
Augusta Canal Nr Augusta (Upper)
|
2080cfs |
Stevens Creek Near Modoc
|
149cfs |
Saluda River At Chappells
|
1220cfs |
Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells
|
1090cfs |
Bush River Nr Prosperity
|
58cfs |
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.
L F Holmes Dam