Lower Heather Lakes Dam
Lower Heather Lakes Dam is a dam located in Horry County, South Carolina, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Lower Heather Lakes Dam
The primary purpose of Lower Heather Lakes Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Heather Lakes Homeowners Association Inc (private). It impounds the Tr-mullet Creek.
The dam stands 7 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 14 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/18/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The South Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Horry |
| River/Stream | Tr-mullet Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.89040, -78.59560 |
Physical Characteristics
| NID Height | 7 ft |
| Dam Height | 7 ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 85 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 85 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | HEATHER LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 01/18/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SCD03623 |
| Federal ID | SCD03623 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |