Lower Northlake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Upper Northlake Dam Druid Hills Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Lower Northlake Dam in Greenwood, South Carolina, was completed in 1989 and has a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
This private dam, standing at 26 feet tall and 200 feet long, is an earth dam with stone core types and soil foundations. It is located on the TR-ROCKY CREEK river or stream and has a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 17.6 acre-feet.
Despite its recreational purpose, the Lower Northlake Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in May 2020 revealed its poor state, and it is under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). The dam is in need of maintenance and upgrades to ensure its safety and functionality for water resource and climate enthusiasts who enjoy activities in the area.
With its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the Lower Northlake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance for dam safety. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the integrity of dams like Lower Northlake becomes crucial in mitigating risks and protecting communities and ecosystems downstream. Efforts to address the dam's condition and potential risks are essential to safeguarding the environment and recreational opportunities it provides for residents and visitors alike.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ROCKY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Saluda River Near Ware Shoals
|
503cfs |
Lake Greenwood Tailrace Nr Chappells
|
1090cfs |
Saluda River At Chappells
|
1220cfs |
South Rabon Creek Near Gray Court
|
17cfs |
Little River Near Mt. Carmel
|
83cfs |
Little River Nr Silverstreet
|
94cfs |
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.
Lower Northlake Dam