Walden Place Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Walden Place Pond Dam, located in Richland, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and stretches 850 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 280 acre-feet, the dam provides a serene 18-acre surface area for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation along Spears Creek.

Despite its recreational appeal, Walden Place Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of April 2015. With a history dating back to 1981, the dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) update and has not undergone recent risk assessments or management measures. The dam's inspection frequency is set at every two years, indicating a need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the dam's functionality.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the condition of Walden Place Pond Dam highlights the importance of proper dam management and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the environment. With its picturesque setting and recreational opportunities, this dam serves as a reminder of the crucial balance between enjoying natural resources and responsibly managing infrastructure to protect both people and the ecosystem.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

SPEARS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Nid Storage

280

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.