Sandhill Exp Sta Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Woodlake Dam North Springs Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Sandhill Exp Sta Dam, located in Richland, South Carolina, serves as a crucial water resource for irrigation purposes since its completion in 1955.
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Summary
With a dam height of 31 feet and a storage capacity of 305 acre-feet, the dam plays a significant role in ensuring water availability for agricultural activities in the region. The primary purpose of the dam is irrigation, although it also supports recreational activities in the area.
Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Sandhill Exp Sta Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in December 2020. With its strategic location on the Sandy Branch river, the dam contributes to water management efforts in the region and highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, understanding the significance of infrastructure like Sandhill Exp Sta Dam is crucial for promoting resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. With its capacity to store water for irrigation and recreational purposes, the dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate variability. By staying informed about the condition and regulation of such structures, enthusiasts can contribute to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of water management systems for future generations.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
1050 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
SANDY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Nid Storage |
305 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gills Creek At Columbia
|
39cfs |
Smith Branch At North Main St At Columbia
|
3cfs |
Wateree River Nr. Camden
|
1510cfs |
Congaree River At Columbia
|
2990cfs |
Saluda River Near Columbia
|
882cfs |
Saluda River Below Lk Murray Dam Nr Columbia
|
764cfs |
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.
Sandhill Exp Sta Dam