Smiths Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Smiths Pond Dam, also known as Berry/Ulmer/Adams Dam, is a privately owned structure situated in Richland, South Carolina.


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Summary

Constructed in 1967 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 670 feet in length, with a primary purpose of recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 102 acre-feet and normal storage of 85 acre-feet.

Managed by SC DHEC, the dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. It has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a hazard potential rated as low and a fair condition assessment as of April 2017. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, and it falls under the jurisdiction of the Savannah District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Smiths Pond Dam will find it to be a significant recreational structure in South Carolina, with ties to the USDA NRCS and state regulatory agencies. The dam's design and construction make it a vital part of managing water resources in the area, providing storage for recreational purposes while ensuring public safety through regular inspections and maintenance. Its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment underscore the importance of continued monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-BEASLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Nid Storage

102

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.