Copley Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Johnson Lake Dam Wildwood Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Copley Pond Dam in Aiken, South Carolina, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at 20 feet in height and spans 300 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet. The dam, located on Joyce Branch, is owned privately and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC).
Despite its significance, Copley Pond Dam is currently in poor condition as assessed in 2017, with a significant hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in August 2017 revealed the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its safety and functionality. With a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet and a surface area of 15 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Given its poor condition, the dam requires attention and potential upgrades to meet safety standards and mitigate risks associated with its operation. Climate and water resource enthusiasts should keep an eye on developments regarding Copley Pond Dam to ensure the preservation of this essential infrastructure and its impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
JOYCE BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mctier Creek (Rd 209) Near Monetta
|
10cfs |
Augusta Canal Nr Augusta (Upper)
|
1850cfs |
Savannah River At Augusta
|
3140cfs |
Butler Creek Below 7th Avenue
|
7cfs |
South Fork Edisto River Near Denmark
|
548cfs |
Stevens Creek Near Modoc
|
61cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Copley Pond Dam