Bonsal Company Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bonsal Company Lake Dam, located in Cheraw, SC, is a privately owned structure regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 14 feet and serves primarily for water supply purposes, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 51 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 960 feet and is situated along McCoy Creek, covering a surface area of 12 acres within a drainage area of 64 square miles.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Bonsal Company Lake Dam received a fair condition assessment during its last inspection in August 2020. The dam is subject to regular state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a history of serving as a vital water resource for the region, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water supply to the surrounding area while maintaining a manageable risk level for potential hazards.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the details of Bonsal Company Lake Dam offer insight into the intricate balance between water management, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental stewardship. With its location in Anson County, North Carolina, this dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource utilization in the face of changing climate dynamics. By understanding the history, purpose, and current condition of structures like Bonsal Company Lake Dam, enthusiasts can appreciate the complex interplay between water resources, infrastructure resilience, and regulatory oversight in safeguarding our communities for generations to come.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

960

River Or Stream

Mccoy Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

64

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.