CHATHAM LAKE DAM - SC01869-3132
Dam Name: CHATHAM LAKE DAM
State: SC
Downstream Hazard Potential: S
Incident Type: Non-Failure
Incident Date: 09/16/2018
Incident Driver: Hydrologic/Flooding
Incident Mechanism 1: Overtopping
Incident Mechanism 2Erosion
Incident Mechanism 3Spillway Erosion/Head Cutting
Incident IDSC01869-3132
Incident DescriptionHeavy 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 EventHurricane Florence
EAP Enacted (Y/N) due to IncidentNo
Fatalities (Number)0
Number of People Evacuated0
Number of Habitable Structures Evacuated0
Number of Habitable Structures Flooded0
Other Infrastructure ImpactsRoads
Economic Damages (in $)
ResponseThe 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
Volume released at failure (ac-ft)
Additional Remarks or UpdatesManor Road was temporarily closed until water level was lowered to a safe level.
Owner TypeP
Dam TypeRE
Primary Purpose(s)R
EAPY
Dam Height17 ft
Max Storage (ac-ft)53.00
Surface Area (acres)7.00
Year Completed1978
NID NumberSC01869
River NameTR-THOMPSON CREEK
Latitude34.6732
Longitude-79.9104
Year Modified
Regulatory Agency(ies)SC DHEC
Incident Time
Incident Duration
Incident Report Produced
Information SourcesSC Dam Safety
