Ben Lippen School Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cola Int'l Univ Lower Dam Ciu Lake
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Ben Lippen School Dam, located in Richland, South Carolina, is a private earth dam completed in 1990 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 36 feet and stretching 275 feet in length, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 32 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed it to be in poor condition, prompting concerns about its long-term structural integrity.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Ben Lippen School Dam overlooks the TR-Broad River and falls under state jurisdiction for regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications since its completion, its poor condition assessment raises questions about the need for potential risk management measures and emergency action preparedness. With a designated inspection frequency of five years, the dam's outdated condition assessment underscores the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of downstream communities and water resources.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts track the state of Ben Lippen School Dam, the dam's association with recreation highlights the delicate balance between human activities and environmental stewardship. With a risk assessment and risk management measures yet to be developed, stakeholders are urged to prioritize the dam's upkeep and safety to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding ecosystem. Through proactive maintenance and adherence to regulatory guidelines, Ben Lippen School Dam can continue to provide recreational opportunities while upholding its responsibilities as a critical infrastructure component in South Carolina's water resource management.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BROAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
907cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
3010cfs |
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
37cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
790cfs |
Broad River At Alston
|
1880cfs |
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.
Ben Lippen School Dam