C. S. Lake 17 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

C.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

S. Lake 17 Dam, located in Chesterfield, South Carolina, is a federally owned structure primarily used for fish and wildlife conservation purposes. The dam, completed in 1965, stands at a height of 13 feet and has a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. It spans 230 feet in length and holds a surface area of 9 acres, serving as a crucial habitat for various species in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment was marked as poor during its last inspection in 2015. The risk assessment for the dam is categorized as very high, emphasizing the need for immediate attention to ensure its structural integrity and prevent any potential risks to the surrounding environment. With a drainage area of 0.32 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 532 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring the maintenance and rehabilitation efforts for C. S. Lake 17 Dam is crucial to safeguarding the ecosystem it supports. With the potential risks associated with its current condition, it is essential for federal agencies and stakeholders to implement effective risk management measures and prioritize the dam's structural improvements to mitigate any future threats to the local community and environment.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

HEMP BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

0.32

Nid Storage

68

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.