Gwinns Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Gwinns Pond, also known as Congaree Const Lower Dam, is a private water resource located in Richland, South Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 23 feet high and spans 800 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 268 acre-feet. The primary purposes of Gwinns Pond include fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as recreational opportunities for visitors.

With a surface area of 24 acres and a drainage area associated with the Dry Branch stream, Gwinns Pond is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition and undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its continued safety and integrity. While the spillway is uncontrolled, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gwinns Pond serves as a vital component of the local landscape, providing essential water storage and recreational opportunities while requiring careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

DRY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Nid Storage

268

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

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.