Betty Whitman Dunn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Betty Whitman Dunn Dam, located in Abbeville, South Carolina, is a private earth dam completed in 1948 with a height of 18 feet and a length of 225 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It serves as a crucial structure on TR-BOWMAN BRANCH, providing storage capacity of 62 acre-feet for water resource management. The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other," indicating its importance beyond flood control or irrigation.

Despite being privately owned, Betty Whitman Dunn Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With its hazard potential labeled as "Undetermined" and condition assessment as "Not Rated," the dam's safety and maintenance are crucial for the surrounding community's well-being. The last inspection in January 2018 highlighted the need for regular assessments and emergency preparedness measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the unique design of Betty Whitman Dunn Dam, its historical significance, and the potential impact it has on the local ecosystem and water management. As a key structure in the area, its upkeep and monitoring are essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding environment and communities that rely on its services.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-BOWMAN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Nid Storage

62

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.