Lake Clare Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Lake Clare Dam is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 15 feet and a length of 790 feet, holds back the waters of the TR-MIDDLE PEN SWAMP, providing a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is listed as "Uncontrolled," with a spillway width of 0 feet.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Lake Clare Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 and was last inspected in July 2017. While the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans, there is no information available regarding the preparation of inundation maps or the implementation of specific risk management measures. Overall, Lake Clare Dam stands as a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water storage capabilities.

Dam Length

790

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-MIDDLE PEN SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Nid Storage

126

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.