CHATHAM LAKE DAM - SC01869-3132


Incident ID SC01869-3132
Dam Name CHATHAM LAKE DAM
Downstream Hazard Potential S
State SC
Incident Date 09/16/2018
Incident Type Non-failure
Incident Driver Hydrologic/flooding
Incident Mechanism 1 Overtopping
Incident Mechanism 2 Erosion
Incident Mechanism 3 Spillway Erosion/head Cutting
Incident Description Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Florence caused dam to overtop. Primary spillway was clogged with debris prior to storm and low-level outlet was inoperable (valve stem missing).  Downstream slope failure from erosion at toe exposed core of dam.  Headcutting erosion at auxiliary spillway left an escarpment.
Named Hydrologic Event Hurricane Florence
EAP Enacted (Y/N) due to Incident No
Fatalities (Number) 0
Number of People Evacuated 0
Number of Habitable Structures Evacuated 0
Number of Habitable Structures Flooded 0
Other Infrastructure Impacts Roads
Economic Damages (in $)
Volume released at failure (ac-ft)
Response The State issued an Emergency Order to require the dam owner immediately lower water level under direction of a licensed Professional Engineer, submit a detailed investigation by a licensed Professional Engineer, and submit a Plan of Action for the repair
Additional Remarks or Updates Manor Road was temporarily closed until water level was lowered to a safe level.
Incident Time
Incident Duration
Incident Report Produced
Information Sources SC Dam Safety
Owner Type P
Dam Type RE
Primary Purpose(s) R
EAP Y
Year Completed 1978
Year Modified 0
Dam Height 17 ft
Max Storage (ac-ft) 53 ac-ft
Surface Area (acres) 7 acres
River Name TR-THOMPSON CREEK
Latitude 34.6732
Longitude -79.9104
Regulatory Agency(ies) SC DHEC
NID Number SC01869
Attachments