Mays Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: C. S. Lake 16 Dam C. S. Pool G Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Mays Dam, located in Chesterfield, South Carolina, is a federal-owned structure primarily used for fish and wildlife pond purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the USFWS, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and stretches 1775 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 234 acre-feet. The dam sits on the Long Branch river/stream and is managed by the DOI FWS, with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2015.
The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway type. It underwent modifications in 2003 for mechanical, other, and structural improvements. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Mays Dam presents a manageable level of risk to its surrounding area. Despite not being regulated by the state, the dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety standards are met.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is unknown, but the risk management measures are not specified. Overall, Mays Dam serves as a vital resource for supporting fish and wildlife habitats in the region, while also providing important insights into water resource management and climate resilience efforts in South Carolina.
Years Modified |
2003 - Mechanical, 2003 - Other, 2003 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1775 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
LONG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
32 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
2.2 |
Nid Storage |
234 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
108cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
121cfs |
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2460cfs |
Lynches River Near Bishopville
|
443cfs |
Pee Dee R Nr Rockingham
|
1830cfs |
Black Creek Near Quinby
|
350cfs |
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.
Mays Dam