Upper Golden Hills Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Upper Golden Hills Dam in Lexington, South Carolina, is a privately-owned earth dam standing at a height of 40 feet and stretching 320 feet in length.


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Summary

The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, with a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres. Situated on the TR-Twelve Mile Creek and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, this dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of April 2017.

Despite its recreational function, Upper Golden Hills Dam faces maintenance challenges, as indicated by its poor condition assessment. With a high hazard potential, it is crucial for the dam owner to prioritize regular inspections and necessary repairs to ensure public safety and the preservation of the surrounding environment. The dam lacks an emergency action plan and updated risk assessment measures, highlighting the need for proactive risk management strategies to mitigate potential hazards.

As a key feature on the Twelve Mile Creek, Upper Golden Hills Dam plays a significant role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Its structural integrity and maintenance are essential for safeguarding the community against potential risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR-TWELVEMILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Nid Storage

22

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.