Christmas Mill Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Christmas Mill Lake Dam, located in Sumter, South Carolina, is a state-owned structure on Shanks Creek primarily used for recreational purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, with a height of 12 feet and a length of 142 feet, provides a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, indicating a need for potential improvements or repairs.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The last inspection in 2017 revealed its poor condition, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. While the dam poses a low hazard, its significance for recreation underscores the need for proactive risk management measures to safeguard both the environment and public safety.
As a popular spot for outdoor activities, Christmas Mill Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for the community. With its location in the Charleston District and oversight by state regulatory agencies, the dam plays a key role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. Continued attention to its maintenance and improvement will be crucial in preserving its functionality and safety for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Dam Length |
142 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
SHANKS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wateree R. Bl Eastover
|
2400cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
47cfs |
North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg
|
756cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1720cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
4670cfs |
Santee River Near Pineville
|
686cfs |
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.
Christmas Mill Lake Dam