West Lake Farms Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Barnnets Pond Dam Lake Columbia Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
West Lake Farms Dam, located in Richland, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1989, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 146 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 84 acre-feet. Situated on Rice Creek, the dam spans 970 feet in length and covers a surface area of 14 acres.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of April 2019, West Lake Farms Dam has been designated as having a high hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam is also subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in April 2019.
West Lake Farms Dam poses both a recreational and potential risk management challenge for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its high hazard potential, it is crucial for stakeholders to stay informed about the dam's condition, emergency action plans, and risk management measures. The dam's location on Rice Creek within the Savannah District underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Length |
970 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
RICE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Nid Storage |
146 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
4cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
38cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3010cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1570cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
790cfs |
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.
West Lake Farms Dam