Bigham Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Bigham Pond Dam, located in Lancaster, SC, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1979 for recreational purposes along the Tr- Waxhaw Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 due to its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates.
The dam is under the jurisdiction of the USDA NRCS, with no state regulatory agency overseeing its operations or inspections. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam's emergency action plan status is unknown, indicating a lack of preparedness in case of a potential failure. With a risk management plan yet to be outlined and no inundation maps prepared, there is room for improvement in ensuring the safety and stability of Bigham Pond Dam for both the surrounding community and the environment.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Bigham Pond Dam can appreciate its unique design by the USDA NRCS and its role in providing recreational opportunities in the Union County area of North Carolina. As efforts to enhance dam safety and emergency preparedness continue, stakeholders can monitor updates on the dam's condition assessment, risk management measures, and compliance with regulatory guidelines to ensure the long-term sustainability of this essential water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
Tr- Waxhaw Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.88 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Bigham Pond Dam