John Kemp Dam dam
John Kemp Dam
John Kemp Dam, located in Edgefield, South Carolina, is a state-regulated structure managed by SC DHEC. With a height of 26.1 feet and a storage capacity of 31.2 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment indicates poor maintenance, raising concerns about its long-term reliability.
Although the primary purpose of John Kemp Dam is not listed, its presence underscores the importance of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns. As a key player in the Charleston District, this dam is subject to regular inspections by state authorities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. However, with a condition assessment of poor, there is a pressing need for improved maintenance to safeguard the surrounding communities and ecosystems that rely on the dam for water supply and flood control.
As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, it is crucial to recognize the role that dams like John Kemp play in our changing environment. By promoting sustainable management practices and investing in infrastructure upgrades, we can ensure the resilience of vital water resources in the face of climate challenges. With continued monitoring and maintenance, John Kemp Dam can continue to serve as a critical asset in South Carolina's water management strategy.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around John Kemp Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Stevens Creek Near Modoc | 585 cfs | → |
| Augusta Canal Nr Augusta (Upper) | 1,670 cfs | → |
| Mctier Creek (Rd 209) Near Monetta | 7 cfs | → |
| Butler Creek Below 7th Avenue | 50 cfs | → |
| Savannah River At Augusta | 4,870 cfs | → |
| Spirit Creek At Us 1 | 33 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near John Kemp Dam.
Boat launches
- Mccormick County
- Saint John's Road, Clarks Hill
- Columbia County
- Lakeview Drive Parksville
- Burnettown
- Lake Springs Road Columbia County
Campgrounds
- Lick Fork Lake
- Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area
- Hamilton Branch State Park
- Faulkner Mountain Campground
- Modoc - Strom Thurmond Lake
- Boggy Campground
Fishing spots
Track John Kemp Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About John Kemp Dam
Where does the data for John Kemp Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of John Kemp Dam.