Thornley Pond Dam

• Overview
• Reservoirs
• Rivers
• Fishing
• Boat Ramps
• Explore

Thornley Pond Dam, located in Berkeley County, South Carolina, was completed in 1940 and serves primarily for recreational purposes. This earth dam, with a height of 14 feet and a length of 775 feet, has a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 20 acres. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being assessed as fair during the last inspection in March 2020. With an inspection frequency of every two years, efforts are being made to maintain the dam's integrity and address any potential risks. Although no emergency action plan (EAP) or guidelines for inundation maps have been prepared, the dam remains under the jurisdiction of the state and is subject to enforcement and oversight by the regulatory agency.

Situated on the TR-West Branch Cooper River, Thornley Pond Dam contributes to the local ecosystem and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and support the maintenance of such infrastructure to ensure the safety of communities and the preservation of the natural environment.